I always wanted four. Children, that is. I specifically remember sitting on the staircase with my best friend taking turns sharing our grand plans. We–with our eleven-year-old foresight–hashed out the fine details of the houses we’d own and the kids we’d have, right down to the gender order of their births. We were so sure… Continue reading Golden Road
Category: Torri
First fruits
Long before Torri even stepped her freshman foot across the threshold of a high school classroom, I told her how important her GPA would be. Not only that, but also the extra-curriculars, clubs, organizations and volunteer positions that would fill in the gaps of her scholarship applications. She listened intently to everything I said, nodding… Continue reading First fruits
Secrets they keep
Cassie coughed a raspy cough in her sleep and I went to check. She stopped by the time I got there, eyelids fluttering in a peaceful sleep. Light creeped through the catty-corner door. I tried to be all sneaky, slipping out of my shoes so that the flip flop wouldn’t give me away as I… Continue reading Secrets they keep
Best and brightest
It’s been a whirlwind couple of weeks around here. After the graduation festivities we dealt with the pressing need to find a new {to her} car for Torri. Neither Jeff nor I enjoy car shopping, but we buckled down and got it done. Torri is now the proud new owner of a Honda Civic hatchback. … Continue reading Best and brightest
In pictures
With graduation comes the task of sifting through old photos, selecting just the right ones to feature in various ceremonies. It’s daunting, at first, eighteen years of moments big and small. How to choose? I haven’t meant to but I’ve gotten lost in them. She came before cameras were digital and so flimsy envelope after… Continue reading In pictures
This little light
Throughout the course of my life as a mother there have come to pass many moments in which I’ve seen proof of light and innocence in my children. Within those moments, I’ve wanted nothing more than to tuck my babies quietly away, protecting that quality from the grime and tarnish with which the world would… Continue reading This little light
Against all odds
When–at sixteen–you lie in a gown on a railed bed and labor to bring forth a life, the stakes are high. In between peaks on the monitor you notice the sideways glances of nurses. You can almost hear the judgements running through their heads–the disapproving sighs they stop just short of. When–at sixteen–you watch that… Continue reading Against all odds
Five things you must experience in London
Just over four months from now, Torri and I will be embarking on a mother/daughter trip across the pond in celebration of her high school graduation. We’re both beside ourselves with excitement; the itinerary for our trip is chock-full of life list must dos. Given the catalog of Adventures by Disney trips to choose from,… Continue reading Five things you must experience in London