Musings

Finding Closure Finding closure has always been a challenge for me. I’ve come to realize that when we don’t understand someone’s behavior—especially in relationships that once felt meaningful—we can spend years trying to make sense of it. That search for understanding can become all-consuming, because without answers, it’s easy to assume the problem was us.…

When I select songs to sing or record as covers, I’m meticulous in choosing ones that resonate deeply with my life story. The old hymn, “Great Is Thy Faithfulness,” holds a special place on my Spotify playlist and is often on repeat. It reverberates through every facet of my life, particularly over the last few…

Motherhood – this whirlwind of emotions that sweeps you up, spinning you through exhaustion, guilt, love, overwhelm, and blessings every single day. From the moment you start dreaming about your baby to those final weeks of pregnancy, it’s this wild ride of mixed feelings. You’re constantly torn between craving a moment of peace and dreading…

There are moments when I think about adoption and wonder if it would be better to pause it altogether—at least until we learn how to do it well. I know that may sound extreme, but it comes from a place of lived experience and deep reflection, shaped by the layered and often conflicting emotions many…

February 28, 2020   – The start of this year has been a whirlwind! We finished 2019 with Alex graduating and having our sweet James appear in the world two weeks early. One week after bringing James back from the hospital, we decided to look into renting a house, but things took a turn when we realized buying was…

I seldom express my political viewpoints, opting to absorb diverse perspectives attentively, sometimes finding amusement in the absurdity of specific ideas. My political involvement remained minimal throughout my upbringing, even upon reaching voting age. When compelled to participate in the voting process, I swiftly scanned the ballot, marking every candidate affiliated with the “Republican” label…

As someone who values loyalty, the abrupt end of friendships has always affected me deeply. Like many people, I’ve experienced the natural ebb and flow of relationships, but that doesn’t make the process any easier. For a long time, I believed childhood friendships were meant to last a lifetime, so when those connections dissolved, I…

SOME DAYS ALL I’M KNOWN AS IS A MOTHER AND NOT A PERSON WHO HAS AN IDENTITY SEPERATE FROM MOTHERHOOD…. There is something beautiful about being a mother. It is an experience like no other. But with it comes a multitude of changes. Mothers are keenly aware of how important it is to care for…

Chicago-based therapist Rachel Kazes has said that a name change can be a powerful tool for survivors—a way to regain control after trauma. When a perpetrator repeatedly uses someone’s name, even hearing it later can feel unsafe. For some, choosing a nickname or middle name becomes a way to create distance and breathe again. My…