Mothers & Daughters
My husband and I went on a family trip to South Carolina when our firstborn daughter was only three weeks old. I remember walking the beach for miles as my mother-in-law stayed with my newborn back at the condo. I was
We Don’t Have a Whole Lot in Common (and That’s Okay)
Our daughters were whining; the back of the van was filled with groceries; a cardboard box was on the floorboard, containing three leftover slices of mushroom pizza. My husband turned on the radio to drown out the noise or to
I’m Going to Cherish Every Moment (Even If It Kills Me)
I became one of those moms last night, with the toddler throwing herself down across the entryway to the store, causing patrons to pause as they looked from her to me and then back down at her, unsure if they
The Reluctant Minimalist
My daughters and I moved to Tennessee with a suitcase each. My husband was scheduled to come a week later with the rest of our things, but by the time he arrived, I had already gotten settled and didn’t want
God’s Perspective on Pain
After I received the email, I walked outside in the pulsing dark. I went halfway down the driveway and lay on the asphalt. I could feel the warmth, from the day’s relentless sun, radiating against my back. The night sky
Shedding Our Papier-mâché Skins
I scooted over, to make room for my daughters on the bench, and my sandals brushed black, orthopedic shoes. I glanced to the right and saw the disabled man, slumped in the chair, with a pair of dark sunglasses and
Dear Younger Me
Dear Twelve-Year-Old Me: Don’t put Sun-In in your hair. It will create an ongoing cycle of peroxide and bleach that will only end when you move to Wisconsin sixteen years later and can’t find a hairdresser who will cut and highlight
Surprise! The Alliance Story Banner!
Hi, readers! I have been in selective "dark mode" since my September 15th deadline is drawing closer with every passing day. This means that I only check my email in the morning and at night; therefore, imagine my surprise when I
Watching the World Go By
“Hey, Honey,” the cashier said. “Got any plans for the weekend?” I was so caught off-guard, I almost laughed. “This is my second weekend here.” She smiled. “Oh, you like it?” I explained that I was actually returning to Tennessee after living in
Life’s Non-linear Adventure
It’s 9:37 on a Saturday night, and I’m confined to my toddler’s bedside, which is actually my bedside, because she declares she is scared of the new nursery. Whenever I glance over at her by the light of the computer screen,