A week of chaos, ranging from expired passports, weekday graduations, skin scans, and no-contact children. Can I get an amen? No? How about a margarita?
Skin Scans, Schedule Chaos, & Travel Fails.
Tag: Mental Health
Message Received: The Erma Story
As I left the Richmond airport, two weeks ago, my phone pinged announcing a voicemail that had been received while I was in the air. I was returning from a second attempt to avoid the feelings surrounding the first anniversary of my mother’s death, arriving home on that very first anniversary date. Because I was … Continue reading Message Received: The Erma Story
Navigating Grief: One Year Later
Today marks one year since losing my mom. It’s been both the longest and shortest year, during which I learned a hell of a lot more about grief than I ever wanted to. For instance, did you know there is no trophy for Best at Grieving?
A Handmade Goodbye
It really wasn’t that hard, except for the tears that kept filling my eyes as I pushed the needle through the quilt's sturdy fabric to form the words, "Love, Judy."
Wave Season? Tsunami, Actually.
January's tsunami has not mixed well with a quiet morning, a cup of coffee within arm's reach, and a few hours dedicated to mapping out my Monday morning epiphany.
Looking Both Ways: 2026 Edition
I think the most important thing I learned was that having grace for oneself is a gift. Make sure you give yourself that gift, too, okay?
F**king First Times? What the Sh*t.
Current status? Buckled up with a bit more confidence than I had a week ago. Oh, and a giant box of tissues, just in case.
12 Days of Christmas Chaos
This is a season filled with moments that bring glee, the warm fuzzies, and memories. Unfortunately, we often miss those moments while trying to be the perfect host, the perfect guest, the perfect shopper, the perfect gift wrapper, and, well, the list goes on. Screw that.
Black Friday Shopping (with Mom)
It’s not the first time I've taken my Mom shopping since she died, tucking her tiny urn into a pocket for a day out. It sounds batshit crazy, I know, but there is something very cathartic about it.
Bringing Back the Red Tent
Would they have been better off if their father had never met me? The guilt of a stepmother.