On June 8, I received an email from a publisher asking me if I would be interested in writing a short story for their upcoming book. The title of the book is Life Lessons from Grandparents. I am so honored to be part of this book publication. I have been so lucky to have grandparents in my life from childhood into adulthood. As a child, my grandparents were always there for me. Because of them and my mom and dad, I learned what it means to be a grandparent. I learned so much from my grandparents; they were always available. My mom’s parents became the subject of my short story. I choose to write about my Grandmother Florence. Her story is one of heartbreak from an early age to a joyful determination in her later years. I have uploaded my story to the publisher, and they responded back to me that it is one of the most powerful, heartwrenching stories they have ever received. They also realized her story is at the core of life’s ups and downs, a remarkable journey. I think I told the story my grandmother could never tell herself. I am honored to be part of this book along with other authors. I will share the release date once I receive it.

Sometimes you have to give into the process of your aging parents. I am there for them. Hoping that my words and the help I have given them will comfort. All I have for now are words and just being there. Our lives are changing quickly. I am letting go of hurt and letting in love. Giving them love and care something I never felt myself is allowing me to accept them in a different light. The more I care for them, the more I find myself open to love. A new journey begins, healing is possible.

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Thank you Pope Francis!

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Sometimes when the right person goes off-script it can change the world.  One person can make the world a better place by acknowledging an injustice.  Be Brave!

Pope Francis in off-script child sex abuse remarks: “God weeps.”

Pope Francis just went off script unexpectedly to address child sex abuse in the church:

It continues to be on my mind that people who had the responsibility to take care of these tender ones [children] violated that trust and caused them great pain.

God weeps for the sexual abuse of children. These cannot be maintained in secret, and I commit to a careful oversight to ensure that youth are protected and all responsible will be held accountable.

Those who have survived this abuse have become true heralds of mercy – humbly, we owe each of them our gratitude for their great value as they have had to suffer this terrible abuse sexual abuse of minors.

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“I hope that in this year to come, you make mistakes.

Because if you are making mistakes, then you are making new things, trying new things, learning, living, pushing yourself, changing yourself, changing your world. You’re doing things you’ve never done before, and more importantly, you’re Doing Something.

So that’s my wish for you, and all of us, and my wish for myself. Make New Mistakes. Make glorious, amazing mistakes. Make mistakes nobody’s ever made before. Don’t freeze, don’t stop, don’t worry that it isn’t good enough, or it isn’t perfect, whatever it is: art, or love, or work or family or life.

Whatever it is you’re scared of doing, Do it.

Make your mistakes, next year and forever.”

Neil Gaiman