Adoption. Is. Hard. If you’ve walked this journey, you know the struggle. And my struggles may be different than yours. But all the same, there are knock you down, speechless, gut wrenching struggles along the way. I distinctly remember a receptionist at the doctor’s office casually asking me two months into our foster journey if …
A year ago my mom died suddenly. And the truth is, I have buried that grief deep. I don’t really have the words. Covid hit our country in March 2020. The last time I saw my mom was face to face on March 15th. After that, we all retreated into our Covid bubbles of quarantine …
When a stone is thrown into a pond, it creates ripples that move outward and affect each part of the pond and the creatures that live within it. Each of our actions, small or big, have a ripple effect that touch, alter, and influence our lives and the lives of those around us. For most …
Your actions created a ripple effect that forever changed the lives of many. Most importantly, mine and the lives of 2 young boys. You gave a gun to a man who you also gave drugs to. You hosted a deal that directly resulted in a police chase, gave a tool to someone not of sound …
I’m not sure where to start. 3 years. It feels so far away. So much has changed from the big to the small things. The boys are bigger. They are learning so much in school and succeeding beyond what we imagined for them there. Their struggles and behaviors are harder. I know we knew and …
A letter to Jake. Written 11 months post loss. A few days ago, I went to visit you. It was freezing outside, a harsh breeze, one sick kiddo at home, and I had to see you. It was the day after Valentine’s Day, the cemetery had called. Your monument was done and had been installed …
Written 1 year, 8 months, 13 days post lost. If I’m being completely honest, I’ve hidden from my grief for months now. But here is the thing about grief: it always finds you. Many told me year two would be harder. The fog would lift. The shock would fade. And I’d be left to stand …
Today was the end of a very long chapter. Four separate cases for Jake’s death to date. One federal, 3 state level. And today, was the final hearing. Going into today I knew the outcome. Today was the sentencing hearing for the driver of the car. The driver that led the chase, let out the …