Healing and Wellness

Ironically, someone was singing Coat of Many Colors by the recently departed legend and exceptional human being Dolly Parton. And I felt a lot of feels. I went back to school this week. There’s been more emotion wrapped up in that return than I expected. I’m still grappling with grief over the resignation of my leadership role and the loss of the health I once took for granted—the health I’m working so hard to regain.

Coming home from our Canadian road trip—one I haven’t experienced since I was five—I feel something I don’t usually feel at this time of year: peace. Usually, this is when the anxiety starts creeping in. School is approaching. Schedules go from almost nonexistent to overflowing. Life speeds up so quickly that sometimes it feels like there isn’t even room to take a breath. But this summer, being on the road gave me permission to slow down.

Two years ago today we had to let our Quinton leave the physical world and cross the rainbow bridge. He was ready, it was time. And as it so often does, the universe aligned to bring us together to say good-bye. I’ve labeled myself a bit of a cat whisperer, although Quinton was no ordinary cat. He was my girl’s first best friend. Sometimes I wonder if they were two souls reunited again, they had an indescribable bond.

My dad had three sisters, and my mom had two. That is not to say I don’t have uncles — I do, and they are wonderful. They joined our story by marrying my aunties and becoming part of the fabric of our family. Lately, I’ve been thinking about siblings. On my dad’s side, he is the only one of his siblings who is gone. On my mom’s side, she is the only one left. That reality feels strange. I love my aunties. Each one has been my favorite for different reasons.

Well, Dad… Here we are again—another Father’s Day. Thirteen of these have passed without you here, and still, this day brings a flood of feelings. My feed is full of photos—friends with their dads, some still earthside, others now keeping you company in heaven. I always find myself sitting in a strange mix of emotions. Sometimes I get short-tempered and don’t even realize why… until I pause. And when I do, it hits me—I just miss you. You should be here. Today, though, I’m cho

March 15th, the Ides of March, a day in the ancient Roman calendar that is associated with misfortune and doom. For many years this day felt this way. In fact, March is usually an emotional disaster for me. For many years I have struggled to feel anything but gloom.

Today is my dad's heavenly birthday. He would of turned 74 today. His last birthday in the physical world was his 62nd. Even though he is no longer here in physical form, I remember and celebrate him on this day. Buttered theatre popcorn is always a special treat to celebrate his birthday. Remembering my dad on the day he began his existence in the world is as important as remembering him on the day his journey ended here. My dad's birthday always coincided with the annual Te