Blog
Braver Than Before
Anticipation grew as I guided my car along the steep, windy roads of the Berkshire Mountains in Western Massachusetts. It had been a 3-hour drive to get here, leaving me with plenty of time to build expectations for what the weekend ahead might hold. I was hopeful...
Roots and Wings
"There are only two lasting bequests we can hope to give our children. One of these is roots, the other, wings."- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe I feel this with every ounce of my soul. Everything I have said and all I have done for my children over the past 19+ years has...
Somewhere In Between
It is March in Massachusetts. A month when New Englanders anxiously anticipate the warmer season ahead. In March, brief stretches of rising temperatures are warmly received as glimpses of what we can look forward to in the months to come. A native to the area knows to...
The Hoax
“What is going on at the high school?”. A simple text from my sister provoking unimaginable terror for the hour that followed. I had no idea what was going on at the school my oldest daughter attended but from this message, I knew I needed to find out. I immediately...
The COVID Graduates
As I sit on the outskirt of the crowd, I take a moment to take in the scene. The people who have been prominent features in my life for the past 13 years file into the stadium in anticipation of the day’s events. These individuals are the threads woven tightly to...
Choose Your Own Adventure
How do you choose to tell your story? When you recall experiences, vacations, or even the events of the day, do you focus on the laughter and opportunities? Or do you emphasize the challenges and horrible meals you had along the way? Even more, do you exaggerate your...
Reflections and Intentions
Last week started as a year in review. A week dedicated to reflecting on the past year and setting intentions for the year ahead. What were the lessons learned in the last 12 months and how will I maximize the growth I acquired? Where were my strengths, my weaknesses...
The Rope
I remember it so vividly. The long thick woven rope ominously hanging from the middle school gymnasium ceiling. The tightly wound fibers were typically found tied back against the painted cinder block wall. However, occasionally I would walk into the gym during my...
3 Days on Amelia Island
We are on the hunt for new digs in the South. Now don’t get your panties in a bunch, we will always maintain roots on Cape Ann, but these dang winters are KILLING me slowly. First stop on our tour of exploration, Amelia Island, Florida. It is not much of a secret;...
Not Okay
I am not okay. I am trying like hell to be… but right now… I am just not. And I am fairly confident, you are not okay either. All I can think about is how well I got through the height of the pandemic. That entire first year of question marks, shocking revelations,...
To Infinity and Beyond
As the plane takes us to our destination, I glance toward the grown boy sitting beside me. He is staring out the small oval window at the world below. His stature is that of a full-grown man, his body mass taking up more of the seat than mine does. His legs seemingly cramped in the restrictive space
Give It a Name
Giving inflictions a name has always been my first step to recovery. Accepting that these feelings are there and that it is okay to feel them is the turning point on my journey. Coming up with a day-to-day plan to set my focus and distract myself carries me until I locate the other side.