“What’s happening with the LGBTQIA+ kids in the foster care system here?” My question landed with a thud. “Crickets,” as they say. I have no idea how the mic made its way to my hand or how I ended up on my feet in front of a group of about fifty strangers and a few friends. My husband and I were at a community conversation about the LGBTQIA+ community in our town and my intention had been simply to be a good ally. To vote with…
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Happy Other Days
It was the second Sunday in May, a lifetime ago. I had developed solid relationships with many of the women in the locked facility so, standing in front of the entire patient community, I sensed the need. And, as was the habit of most women in mandatory addiction treatment, they were prepared for disappointment. “Good morning ladies. Before we start, I need to get something off my chest.” I rarely addressed the group this way. I had their attention. “I have concluded that, despite any evidence…
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Family Members Drumming
This video of family members spontaneously drumming makes me ridiculously happy. I don’t know if it’s the actual drumming, the spontaneity… maybe it’s just that fact that I remembered to use the phone’s video feature for a change… but it makes me laugh out loud, every time I see it. It was insanely hot but why wouldn’t it be? It was summertime and we were visiting a theme park in Florida. It’s a family activity that gives a whole new meaning to the word “hot.” But,…