I’m tired of making excuses for the failures of my church. — The original version of this piece poured out of me about a year ago. Every so often, I’d open up the draft, tweak a few words, then put it away again. Is it true? Is it complete? But I think the real reason it has remained unpublished for so long…

There are pros and cons to every decision… — I’m sure someone has made a list twice as long in opposition, but hear me out. If you’re on the fence about starting or growing your family, there is no better time than the present. It’s been two years since this coronavirus mutation appeared, and if you’re reading this, you’ve…

It’s peer pressure, for adults! — Part One: I recently went on a short trip with my family and my best friend’s family. We visited a state park, science museum, the playground and much more. …

The gift I don’t want to give my toddler. — My little person was born twenty-four months ago. The pandemic reached us nineteen months ago. Therefore, when masking became the norm, my five month old was exempt. While all of us practicing social distancing and increased hand washing, only the over two’s had to don face coverings. I thought he would never have to wear a mask. I felt for…

Reflecting on a life lost to suicide — Perhaps the silver lining to my postpartum depression is empathy for those with a mental illness. Mental illness is this all encompassing term for a number of ailments. It’s always felt kind of vague and taboo to me… until I joined the ranks of those who suffer from it. A…

“You’re raising a tiny human, and we want to support you in doing that really well.” — At 35 years old, I believe I fall into the category of Elder Millennial. I recently had a conversation with a woman, a few years my younger… a regular ‘ole Millennial. She is a happy dog mom, avid board-gamer, fellow gardener, and happens to work with my husband. The three…

a rant or poetry or something — I read novels & memoirs so I can see through eyes other than my own. I skim Facebook and Instagram so I can think about lives other than my own. I desperately want to have deep, meaningful conversations but I am afraid to start them. Behind closed doors, I am…

a poem for the sleep deprived — Nurse you, cuddle you, until your eyes close. Until your breathing slows. Until your grip relaxes. My boy, you have to practice. We’ll take this slow, for both our sakes the trying to let go. Who knows how many nights this will take? But this is how you grow. I’d…