Tag Archives: parenting
Do You Feel Beautiful?
“Am I beautiful now, Mama?” asks my 4-year-old after getting dressed for school. Most days, she demands dresses that go down to her toes, satin gloves and a silver plastic crown. “Does this dress make you feel beautiful?” I ask … Continue reading
My Grandma, the Pilot
When her youngest graduated from college, my grandmother decided she wanted to be a pilot. She completed ground school, but that’s as far as she went. When we grandchildren were born, she was widowed, living on a teacher’s salary in … Continue reading
‘Go All In’
I sit next to my 5-year-old, Jacob. He draws dinosaurs. I draw, too. A lifetime of self-doubt escapes onto the page. I worry my drawing is unrealistic, “bad.” He tells me, “It’s OK!” I smile but struggle to believe him. … Continue reading
Our Messes
“This place is a mess,” my father said in a stern voice, surprising me as he looked around the room. “Are you going to clean it?” Not sure how to respond, I simply said, “Yes.” He nodded, then strode out … Continue reading
A Delayed Gift
In my 20s, I was glad to meet my biological mother who had given me up for adoption. But I was unable to overcome feelings of abandonment. We fought. After 10 years without contact, I called her. She told me … Continue reading
Real Life of an MSW 