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 […]
Two little girls stood staring across the screen door. Curious. Hesitant. Surveying each-other. Both wore ridiculous dresses adorned with miles of ruffles. Both had disheveled blonde hair and cheeks flushed red from exertion. They could have been looking in the mirror. […]
She was so quiet. An observer more than a talker. Cautious, gentle and a bit sad. We were hosting her through Together for Good and I’d just finished tucking her in for the night. I lingered at the edge of the […]
Anyone who’d ever stayed at Bonnie’s raved about her gift for hospitality. As I set my bags down, I quickly understood why. The guest room pulled me in like a warm hug. The bed was piled with soft pillows and […]
I’m a ninja at turning my schedule into a game of Tetris. And I am good. Very, very good. Since I knew a two week period contained multiple long meetings and deadlines, I artfully scheduled golf camp and horse camp around […]
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 […]
I got the message while standing in the checkout line. We’d be hosting a nine-year old girl over spring break. I was excited to be welcoming a child into my home again and announced the news to my younger son and […]
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 […]
While strolling through the aisles at Target, I paused in front of the fall decorations. I was captivated by garlands of golden leaves, pumpkin candles, floral centerpieces and a glittery banner that spelled out T-H-A-N-K-F-U-L. As I ran my fingers along […]
My childhood home was no showcase. The walls were covered in brown wood paneling, the carpet was frayed berber and the hand-me-down furniture was shabby. But still, it always seemed like a great place to be. No one cared about […]