Inspiration
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An Interesting Dinner With My Teenage Son
I put the following quote on the board and asked the 6th graders what it meant. “Each of us has a fire in our hearts for something. It’s our goal in life to find it and keep it lit.” Mary Lou Retton Most of the students were unsure until I asked them what my purpose was. Then hands went up and I received answers of writer, teacher, and mom. They could see my purpose but not their own until I asked them what they like to do. The room buzzed with everything from singing and soccer to baking and dance. I explained that when I was their age I enjoyed writing stories. I suggested…
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Looking Back, Feeling Gratitude, And Moving Forward
“Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” Melody Beattie Every night before going to sleep I think of the day’s happiest moments. My thankful moments. It could be anything from listening to my favorite songs in the car, hugging my son, to opening a Fed Ex package and finding the proof of my new book. I remember the good in every day. Doing this calms me and reminds me to be grateful. I’ve learned that the moments which give me greatest joy are the ones that bring an overwhelming sense of peace–peace knowing that love is within me and all around me. Just…
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Money vs Humanity
“We all create the person we become by our choices as we go through life.” Eleanor Roosevelt It was a Friday morning. I had just driven from Cape Coral, Florida to Champaign Illinois, over 1,100 miles in two days. Even after a good night’s sleep, my body and mind were exhausted. Arielle and I stopped at a restaurant for breakfast before meeting her roommates at their new apartment for move-in day. I needed coffee and lots of it! An Awkward Situation As we approached the door to the restaurant I saw a man standing outside. I knew what was coming and I also knew I didn’t have any cash. He…
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The Inspiration behind Elle & Buddy
Little did I know in 2009 when I was advocating for my daughter, Arielle, to be a member of her high school track team ...
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Buddy’s Story
One day a picture on Facebook caught my eye. It was of a giant dog with big floppy ears. The picture was taken by our friend, a photographer, for our local shelter. The caption under the picture said that Buddy was the calmest dog he’d ever met. I didn’t really want another dog, we already had two…but there was something about Buddy. When we called the shelter we were told Buddy had already found a home. Then two weeks later we received a call. Buddy had been brought back to the shelter. Excited, we hurried over to adopt him. When they found out we had stairs in our home they…
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Lessons of Kindness
Some moments from my childhood are distinct snapshots of a scene and how it made me feel. One of my favorite memories is ...
