angels in the outfield, giving kids wings

These pictures put such a lump in my throat, seeing all the love & laughter for and from my little guy – with grownups who don’t have to be but want to be part of his life. So much joy. My dad, a pioneer in the field of positive youth development,...

Quick Video Message: Let’s Make Sparks Fly on 9/12!

I’m totally excited to invite you to a special event!Want to make sparks fly in your own life and with the kids you love or teach? Quick video message above from me, taken on the backyard swing.  To sign up for our FREE webinar via ParentFurther, go...

Sparks Flying: A Special Day, A Special Announcement

I can’t remember what we did for my dad’s birthday last year. Where did we eat? What did we give him? Birthdays are a big deal in our family and I can’t stand that I can’t recall how we celebrated his life that day. Meanwhile, this birthday...

Mom, What’s My Purpose?

After taking Ryder to see HUGO in 3D last night, I cried all the way home. I had never read the book and knew very little about the film going into it. I had no inkling it would move me the way it did, connect me to my dad, and deliver the sweetest gift a mama could...
What Will You Leave Behind?

What Will You Leave Behind?

Yesterday, I received a beautiful, handwritten note from someone I haven’t talked to in years. He had heard about my dad’s death, read about his life and it stirred something in him – a question that keeps tugging at his heart strings: what am I...

A Return To Beauty {10.24.11}

For the first time in weeks, I started – and finished – a painting. My dudio looked like a garbage dump, covered in debris from the past three weeks: leftover memorial service programs, junk mail, the hat my dad wore to the hospital, hangers and bags that...

There She Goes Again… {10.18.11}

Okay, here’s the truth. I’m worried you won’t want to come around here anymore if I keep writing about losing my dad. I mean, why would you? Yet he’s on my mind constantly these days, so it feels disingenuous to share anything else right now. I...

A Change of Plans {10.12.11}

Yesterday did not go the way I’d planned.On the first day of the new year, I flipped through my new 2011 wall calendar and wrote in all the important dates – birthdays, anniversaries, special events. In the box marked October 11th, I wrote two...

Grasping For Words

I’ve been dreading writing this post, grasping for words, clutching my heart. Part of me still believes my dad will waltz through the door or call me any minute now. But then reality sets in and I remember the truth: I lost my dad on Sunday. It’s too soon...

Miracle Grow {09.29.11}

I believe miracles can grow anywhere at any time, especially when there’s hope in the soil. {took an unexpected trip to the i.c.u. this week with my beloved dadand we’ve decided to hang out here for a bit.deep thanks for any prayers and love...

A Toast To Cancer? {07.11.11}

The other night, my parents invited me and my brother over for a “chat.” We arrived to find champagne and a savory summer spread, so we knew something was up. Indeed it is: I swear my dad is healthier than I’ve ever seen him in my life. He has this...