(Photo credits Barbara Hayes) For The Moms Cheers to the Moms who befriended me And here’s to the Moms who persuaded me And upended my notion That volunteering required too much devotion A devotion I soon learned Was willingly given and joyfully earned I was new to the scene And didn’t know what it would … Continue reading For The Moms
My War With Time
Brandi Carlile broke the dam. I truly thought I was doing a respectable job of holding my shit together as my baby’s senior year has passed the halfway point. The very last of the first day of school pictures, the last homecoming dance, the milestones passing without my consent, but I barely cried at his … Continue reading My War With Time
Stay Gold
It was a long drive for the college tour- four hours on the way there, and 3.5 on the way back. I thought I was going to be super tired for the drive home, but I wasn’t. I was thinking how lucky I was that I got to spend the day with my kid- even … Continue reading Stay Gold
Adventures in Perimenopause: Where Did That Bruise Come From?
Earlier today I was stretching after my walk. Stretching has become an essential and frequent activity now, at multiple times during the day. Including, but not limited to, before even getting out of bed. I’ve found it necessary to “cat/cow” myself awake every morning. Why do I feel so stiff after sleeping on a memory … Continue reading Adventures in Perimenopause: Where Did That Bruise Come From?
Sing It Anyway
I used to be afraid of teenagers. That was before I knew any. It was also before I was a mom. But honestly, even when I first became a mom, I was still a little afraid of teenagers. My favorite author, Fredrik Backman’s newest novel, My Friends, begins like this: “Louisa is a teenager, the … Continue reading Sing It Anyway
The Paradox
The weight of the world Is in the weight of words What are the words worth? The weight of the whole? The depth of your soul? Truth be told Words that are bold Words that are weaponized To have and to hold My church your church no church My body your body no body Is … Continue reading The Paradox
Those Who Wander
I have the worst sense of direction in our family. This is not news to most people. This summer we took a family vacation to Quebec City. It was Oldest Daughter’s birthday and we rented e-bikes for a day on L’ile d’Orleans. We had the bikes for four hours, and we all listened to the … Continue reading Those Who Wander
Do Something
Many teens will vote for the first time this election: Parents play important role When my oldest daughter turned 18, I pulled a total mom move – I registered her and her friends to vote at her birthday party before they scattered off to college. With my laptop open to the crowd, I asked them … Continue reading Do Something
For a Limited Time
I put these brownies in the back of my car when they were still slightly warm from the oven. Along with a knife, my favorite brownie spatula, aluminum foil and a large Tupperware container. I couldn’t cut them before leaving the house because, well, you must know what a mess they turn into when you … Continue reading For a Limited Time
Stages
StagesI’ve done a lot of self-reflection over the last year. I’ve questioned whether or not I would sharethis story. But I am a writer and astoryteller at heart, and I guess the time just feels right.Last spring, on April 7, 2023 I was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer-invasive ductal carcinoma, a tumor of almost … Continue reading Stages
Gretchen L. Mulroy 