Gratefulness Lessons Courtesy of the Pandemic

In spite of the oppressive southern heat of my adopted home state of Maryland, summer became my favorite time of year after I had kids.  My children’s excitement over delicious, carefree summer days free from the rigors of endless sports practices, school events, music lessons and homework was contagious.  ...

Losing Weight in my Menopausal Body

I used to weigh 140lbs. I am a 5’8” black woman with broad shoulders and a wide frame yet somehow, when I was in my 20’s, weighed 140lbs and could fit into a size 6, I didn’t think I was thin enough.  WTH?   When I look at pictures of...

Alone in the Pandemic

Loneliness and isolation were my constant companions when I was a brand new mom.  The US Air Force had recently moved me and my active duty husband into a house that was 30 minutes away from the Air Force base and 4 states away from all of our friends and...

How to Stay Sane when your Parent has Dementia

It was my son’s birthday and my entire family, including my 89-year-old mother, had gathered in the kitchen to celebrate the occasion and to enjoy his birthday cake.  I lit the candles and we all sang three full rounds of “Happy Birthday to You” including the “May God Bless You”...