To all the host moms, foster moms, aunties, friends, neighbors and grandmas loving a child whose mom is struggling … you are my heroes. You know that wee ones from hard places can easily be lost in the battles their moms […]
For several years, I hosted the same boys over and over again. These kids counted my home as their second home and my family as their extended family. They were familiar with my quirky sense of humor and squealed with delight when […]
Each year, as part of the End It Movement, dozens of the leading anti-trafficking organizations band together to raise awareness, fundraise and speak out against human trafficking. Social media lights up with red X’s on wrists in a collective cry […]
She lay quietly on the bed. A slip of a woman. Nothing but skin, bones and track marks up and down her arms from IV drug use. Eyes downcast, barely able to lift her heavy head from sagging shoulders, she […]
I sit looking at two stuffed bears sitting side by side. Two bears well-loved by two boys who love each other. One is my son’s bear. For six years, this blue bear has been his constant companion. He drags it […]
I have a friend with this habit of thrusting me into awkward situations. I never know when I’ll have a surprise meeting with a stranger, meet five random people at dinner or be swept along to some exclusive event I may or may […]
Tonight my family gathered for dinner. I was too worn out to fuss with dishes so we dealt paper plates around the table while little hands over-filled water cups. Silverware drawers slammed. Chaos, mess, laughter, shouting. My kids were excited […]
I love taking long walks along my picturesque country road. Out here I can be completely alone to think, pray, and just take a break. While strolling along, one thing that never fails to affront my sense of serenity is […]
Last weekend we hosted a little girl for a few days. We didn’t know much about the situation other than there was recently some major trauma in her and her mother’s life and the mom needed some rest. I thought […]
I catch my breath. I can’t believe what I am reading. Surely this can’t be right. When I read “Counties fielded reports of possible child abuse or neglect an average of seven times an hour last year in Minnesota, one […]