Adventures In Motherhood

My parents always struggled to make ends meet when I was a child. I am quite confident they lacked disposable income to easily dole out to my brother and me for our leisure activities. Our monthly allowance amount escapes me, but it was definitely not sufficient to support the lifestyle of our high school friends, nor teenage necessities like designer Pepe jean jackets and theater movies. I insisted on working a newspaper route before school to supplement my paltry allowance and even opened my own checking account in anticipation of new wealth. I remember the route being a bike-able mile from my home in the ‘wealthy’ part of town where fancy homes with boat docks were situated around a lake. I had arrived at age 13, a tough, determined high school freshman girl, un-intimidated by the bike trek in the wee early morning hours before the sun came up. Lakeshore Drive was flat and easily navigated, despite the hefty bundle of newspapers in the orange canvas bag slung over my shoulder. E...

I will never regret playing hooky with my daughter this week. A justified 'mental health' day, we called it. A day to unplug and reset. To sleep in and rejuvenate. The day our souls connected in peace. Free from the fear of mass school shootings. Free from the pressures of social media. Free from the judgment of strangers. Free from the stress of schedules and to do lists. Free from negativity and injustice. Huddling together under blankets in the darkness. Sharing the experience of 'Pretty in Pink'. Realizing high school hasn't changed much. And clothes are back in style. I want her to know I understand. I'm here for you sweet child, no matter what. I have your back everyday. Even if threats at school persist. And you experience discomfort. Your world grows but I never waver. We continue to feed our souls. Thai food and yoga. Connecting in restoration and breath. Nurturing what's needed. Practicing stillness and letting go. Tru...