How many times in your life has someone said to you, “I love you”, and truly meant it? My childhood was wrought with abuse and dysfunction. I felt invisible, ignored, and alone. I always go back to the old adage, “Actions speak louder than words”, and in my case I learned from an early age […]

Cultural and racial differences, stigma of mental illness, societal outcasts, bullying, abuse, and family dysfunction are all factors of our inability to cope; being a precursor to suicide, depression, drug and alcohol dependencies. Too many keep silent, not seeking help causing isolation, loneliness, aggression, homelessness, and addictions leading to suicidal tendencies and destructive behaviors. Add

With Mother’s Day having just ended, I have taken this time in quiet reflection before telling you of the passing of my Mom on April 23, 2023, after a two-year battle with lung cancer. What is a mother? Is she one to tuck you in and kiss you goodnight? Is she one to hold you

When you look at someone what do you see? Appearances alone do not tell the whole story. This is a story of regular people like you and me whom I had the privilege of meeting while going for chemotherapy treatment. I had time to waste as I would sit for 4 to 6 hours waiting

I pray you find yourself again and bring peace into your soul, amen I pray you laugh with joy again and bring a smile to your face, so when? I pray you can see past the pain and a brighter future may you gain I pray you wipe away the tears and learn to love

In Memory of my Twin Boys I gave birth to my twin boys prematurely and lost them both within two days of each other. Today marks their 25th anniversary, and I wrote this poem shortly after they died. One year after losing them, I gave birth to my second set of twin boys. I hope

In 2011, Nick, my nephew-in-law, died by suicide. At 36 years old, he had paranoid schizophrenia since the age of eighteen. Attending the Celebration of Life service, I listened to the eulogy and the rendition of Nick playing his guitar to a piece of music by Jimi Hendrix. An overwhelming urge to start clapping my

Our dog, Brandy, a black lab cross we had since she was a puppy. At 14-years-old, diagnosed with cancer; A fast spreading cancer, Brandy’s health deteriorated quickly. Towards the end, we slept downstairs with her on our makeshift bed as she couldn’t climb the stairs anymore. One night, I woke up after shouting her name

Having grown up in a dysfunctional family, I felt invisible from a very early age, meaning I was not seen, heard or spoken to. I learned what I said didn’t matter, wasn’t important or that my opinion didn’t count – that’s when I stopped talking. Traumatized, this affected my mental and physical state as I