He’s a little Napoleon. He belts out orders, negotiates with authority figures like parents and teachers, and wields his voice like a sword. He craves control (just like his mama). He came out of the womb feisty, and I rejoiced. He has a physical issue, a thing that could slow him down. In hospitals, they…

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When I found the first one, I cried. Me, the woman who has gone through awful breakups without tears.  Who has officiated countless funerals and weddings without so much as water in the eyes.  Me, who prides herself on her ability to contain her composure.  Sobbed. It was my 23rd birthday.  And there it was, in the midst of my…

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  Dear Scott, In many ways, we found our rhythm fairly easily. Deferring to one another’s strong opinions on this or that, recognizing our clear gifts in one area or another, came naturally to us. We didn’t have turf wars. You aren’t a numbers guy and don’t claim to be, so it doesn’t make sense…

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The ottoman was covered with playing cards as the boy and the girl sat across from each other on the floor, giggling. The youngest bounced on the couch, watching, interjecting, and sneaking cards out of the pile. “Oh man! You got my king!” she lamented. “Wait a minute. I’m going to swap that card. Here,…

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I stood slowly after the closing prayer. The long sit on hard wooden pews had stiffened my muscles. I rubbed my back as I slid sideways into the aisle. My mother-in-law motioned me to stay put. “I’ll go get the kids.” As I gathered up Bibles, papers, and bags, an older lady approached. “Joy, I…

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