I would assume that most people have felt judged at some point or another in their lives. There have been a few times in my life when people have judged me (i.e, "Why do you continue to work there??") Recently, I began participating in the RCIA classes to become a Catholic. I was raised as a Protestant. I was married in a Protestant church and I had my daughter baptized Protestant. However, within the last several years, I have felt a gaping hole that I have been desperately…

May & June of 2002 were really bad months for me. I found out I was pregnant in May of 2002. I had been given a heads up that things were quite right because my HCG levels weren't doubling within 48 hours. My sister came for a visit in order for us to hold her baby shower for her. You can only imagine how I felt - completely fearful for my own baby and somewhat already grieving because I knew what was going to happen and yet trying to appear happy on the outside for my…

The first graders, teachers, and their assistants in the elementary school I work in often use the "I Am From" poem as a writing prompt. Reading others' made me cry last year. I felt the sudden urge to write my own recently and I'd like to share it with you.

I am from Steve & Judi, parents divided, yet love me the same.

Long sails with wind in my hair, toasty campfires, and buggy canoe trips.

From sweaty soccer cleats, saxophone lessons, and wishing to grow up…