I’ve been writing this post for over three years by simply living out the story. This may have been one of the most difficult posts to put into actual words. For anyone weary, wondering, or wandering, pull up a chair and find strength in the middle of the mess. My attendance was routine. My allegiance…… Continue reading Refined by Trials: A Personal Dismantling Story
Today’s letter unveils a story I’ve had the privilege of watching over the years. It was written by the man who sees all my meltdowns, mess-ups, and smells my morning breath. Eww. This is part of my husband’s story that takes a peek behind the curtain of his public life. He graciously and reluctantly, agreed…… Continue reading Dear Dad
This letter was written by my friend, Letty. When I first read her words, I had to pause several times to collect myself. It’s such a beautiful expression of authentic love. Be prepared to experience the tenderness of her heart and the unique outlook she has on fostering. If you want to grab a tissue,…… Continue reading Dear Foster Baby, I’ll Never Stop Loving You
Dear Mom, Every year that passes, I realize how much I need you and how much you have been in my corner-even when I was blinded by self-centered desires. Your unconditional love was on display through it all. If only there were adequate words to convey the emotions in my heart for the gratitude I…… Continue reading Dear Mom, You Need to Hear This
Dreaming has been a semi-elusive experience for me. Not the type of dreaming you entertain in your deepest state of rest, but the ones born in your soul. It’s not that there’s a shortage of dreams in me, but I have a tendency toward hard stops before the dream has a chance to evolve. Dreaming…… Continue reading Moment of Truth Monday: March Edition
Have you ever shown up somewhere you were invited only to be met with a sense of awkward surprise at your arrival? Maybe you were the new friend among old ones. Maybe you felt under or overdressed. No matter the circumstance, discomfort is not a fun. It does, however, tend to impact future decisions. On…… Continue reading Moment of Truth Monday
Dear Daughter, From your earliest days, you were marked for leadership. Your tenacity to master skills and complete tasks was unmatched. What I used to call independence, I now understand as leadership and determination. Your fierce loyalty to your favorite things [your blanket, stuffed animal, and sippy cup], was reflective of the passion that continues…… Continue reading Dear Daughter: Words to Live By
Relationships are both work and reward. Without the work {which often consists of an unmatched level of vulnerability and humility}, the reward of growing deeper in love and compassion is often missed. I have experienced a lot of “fringe-ships” over the years. I’m generally close enough to know just enough to feel like I’m known,…… Continue reading Moment of Truth Monday
When my oldest was a senior, a simple idea cropped up in my heart. I invited him to have lunch with me once a week. While I wasn’t sure he would want to, it thrilled me when he said yes, and senior lunch was born. When we would meet, I would ask lots of questions…… Continue reading Moment of Truth Monday
Scars get a bum rap in our beauty obsessed culture. Countless remedies exist to reduce the visibility of scars-which underscores how we really feel about them. Here’s the thing, scars are not ugly. Scars are storylines. They imply past wounding and serve as evidence of healing. I have the tiniest scar on one of my…… Continue reading Moment of Truth Monday
Alyssa DeLosSantos 