“2020 has taught me some things I’m not sure I would have ever learned.”

2021—This Year I’m Making The Rules

‘My son recently asked, ‘What did you get for Christmas as a kid?’ So I told him. ‘I honestly don’t remember.’: Mom shares sweet Christmas reminder, ‘Only the memories last a lifetime’
“Decorating the tree with my favorite Hallmark ornaments. Christmas music ringing through the house. Sledding down the neighbors’ driveway. Sipping hot cocoa from mugs adorned with snowmen. Driving around town in search of the best lights. Those moments? They last a lifetime.”

I Became An Adult The Day My Mother Died
“It wasn’t the day I got my driver’s license. It wasn’t the day I got married or had children. Losing a parent changes you.”

Why I’m Raising My Kids Like It’s The 90’s
“Think back on your favorite memories. The ones that shaped you into who you are today. Most likely they do not involve television.”

‘Take photos with your grandparents, because one day, when the dust has settled and the years have gone by, those photos may be all you have left of them.’: Woman pens ode to grandparents
“In a culture where I never felt quite good enough for anyone, I was good enough for them. They loved me for me; in all my brokenness and in all my flaws, my grandparents loved every ounce of my being. None of us knew it at the time, but they saved me in more ways than I can count.”

‘Hold me a little tighter Momma, life is moving by so fast.’: Mom pens touching letter from perspective of child, ‘Holding you all these years has meant more than you’ll ever know’
“I’m not ready for you to go.”

‘She’s not just gone to the grocery store or gone on vacation, but she’s gone so far she’s never coming back.’: Motherless daughter shares reality of grief and loss
“It’s buying her cards for her birthday and not having an address to send them to. It’s asking her old friends and family members to tell you the same stories about her, over and over again. This is the life of a motherless daughter.”

‘Once this pile almost reached the ceiling. Now, it’s my turn to make a pile. Up in the closet on the high shelf, for future you.’: Mom has realization her son is growing up too fast
“‘You can’t get rid of this one. This is Tony the pony! Remember? You named him when you were four, and we all laughed and laughed because it was so cute.’ If I’m honest, half of that pile wouldn’t still be there if it weren’t for me begging to let them stay. It hit me, this pile won’t even be here in another year or two.”

‘Don’t miss out waiting for the next big thing, the perfect occasion, the right day.’: Woman urges ‘big things are big, but the small things are too’
“Girls’ trips are fantastic, but has your friend ever shown up at your door in the midst of chaos, in perfect timing? Date nights are fun, but have you ever eaten leftovers while sitting together on your couch? Vacations are the sweetest, but have you ever stayed right where you are and soaked in what God gave you?”

‘We received a knock on the door by a local sheriff. ‘We’re taking all your things.’ The movers packed our belongings into cardboard boxes.’: Homeless student becomes high school, college graduate
“Tears streamed down my mother’s face as she begged them to stop. As I stood outside the place that defined my existence, my vision blurred. ‘I have to be strong,’ I thought, looking on at my 6 younger siblings, averting my eyes to hide my watery gaze. A family of 9, we were forced into a one-bedroom Motel 6. The eviction robbed more than just my shelter.”