Author: Vesna

  • No Easy Answers: What Adoption Can’t Always Fix

    There are moments when I think about adoption and wonder if it would be better to halt it entirely—at least until we get it right. I know that may sound extreme, but it comes from a place of pain and deep reflection—a reflection shaped by the many layered, often conflicting…

  • When Adoption Becomes Exploitation

    When I came across Second Chance Adoptions’ new Facebook page, I couldn’t shake the feeling in my gut. They were asking for help spreading the word, and I kept wondering—why was the old page gone? I’m not privy to the information as to why it disappeared, and I don’t know…

  • When the Table Was Never Meant for You

    At school pickup today, my daughter was in tears. One of her usual recess friends had suddenly started ignoring her, choosing a new friend group instead. My mama heart ached as I listened to her confusion and hurt. And honestly? I get it. Even at 31, I still find myself…

  • What Love Really Means- JJ Heller Cover

    The song What Love Really Means by JJ Heller was one I deeply related to growing up. It was always on repeat, and when I finally picked up a guitar, I learned to play it—not well, mind you, but just enough to stumble through. Do you resonate with the little boy sitting…

  • When Divorce and Faith Collide

    In a home where fundamentalist beliefs shape every aspect of your life, marriage is seen as sacred and unbreakable. Divorce wasn’t just frowned upon; it was treated as an unforgivable sin, branding anyone who chose it with a mark of shame. It wasn’t just a personal failure—it was a community-wide…

  • Silencing the Survivor: Breaking Down Tactics of Control and Invalidation

    When individuals share their personal experiences, especially those marked by trauma, they often encounter responses that subtly—or sometimes overtly—attempt to reshape or soften their narratives. About a month ago, I wrote about reclaiming my voice after realizing I endured years of Munchausen by Proxy abuse—a form of mistreatment where a…

  • Beyond the Lies: Reclaiming My Voice from Munchausen by Proxy

    Imagine a caregiver who, instead of nurturing their child back to health, deliberately makes them sick. This is the horrifying reality of Munchausen by Proxy, a severe form of abuse where a caregiver, often a parent, exaggerates, fabricates, or even induces symptoms in someone under their care—usually their child. The…

  • Balancing Passion with Practicality: Guiding the Next Generation

    As I observe Generation Z forging their path in the professional world, I’m captivated by their distinct journey, unlike that of Baby Boomers, Gen Xers, or even Millennials. They’re navigating unique challenges, such as believing that work should always align with their passions and provide constant fulfillment. But what happens…

  • Finding God Beyond the Blessings

    As someone who profoundly cherishes their faith, prayer has always been a guiding light in my life. It’s been my sanctuary during tumultuous times and my compass through moments of doubt. However, grappling with significant health struggles—battling cancer and now preparing for my third surgery due to complications—has prompted a…