The Nature of Love and Understanding

When my daughter, Eden, was in preschool, she had a playdate at our house with a fellow classmate. I vividly remember preparing a snack for them as they sat at a nearby table coloring and talking. At one point, Peyton looked at my daughter and asked her, “Eden, do you Read more

Shut Up, and Listen

Did you remember to open your eyes, and un-wax your ears when you woke this morning? Did you take for granted the cozy 500-thread count sheets, and the down pillows propped under your head? Did you have a proper bed to sleep in with too many pretty, pleasing greige throw Read more

Empty Handed

I built a fort around myself I thought you could not get through- Steel and nails so high I thought I could prevent you— From ever getting inside. I crouched down low in a corner, With my daughters… And I put my hands over their mouths. I knew building the Read more

Why Did It Have To Be CRPS?

Please help me welcome this week’s “Life With An Invisible Illness” spotlight guest… Jennifer Schwader: Invisible Illness – Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) My name is Jennifer and I’m battling CRPS on my right side of my body.  CRPS, commonly known as the suicide disease because of it’s intense pain Read more

To the Male Doctors Who Do NOT Understand How Pulmonary Hypertension Affects MY Life

I was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (PH) nearly three years ago. It was a few days before Christmas. PH is a rare, life-threatening heart-lung condition that is incurable, and often fatal. My family and I received the news that I had five years to live, maybe ten, and Read more

Donald Trump You are Right, the System IS Rigged

Yes, Donald, the system is rigged. Only, not in the way you say it is. The system is rigged against those about whom you say terrible things. The system is rigged against the immigrant as he tries to build a better life in this country, a safer more prosperous life, Read more