Down syndrome is part of Leilani’s story, but it does not define who she is. At 12 years old, she is finally getting the chance to be part of something she has always dreamed of: cheerleading. This season has shown us what true inclusion looks like – encouragement, patience, belonging and a team that cheers her on every step of the way.
Growing up, voting was something I saw, but never really talked about. Now, as a parent raising a curious future voter, I’m choosing to break that cycle. I want my kids to understand why voting matters, how to research candidates and issues, and how to make informed decisions for themselves, even when those decisions may be different from mine. Because teaching our kids about politics shouldn’t be about telling them what to think. It should be about teaching them how to think, ask questions, and understand the importance of using their voice.
I spent years saying I just needed a break. Then my kids went to Grammie’s for an entire week and, apparently, took my personality, motivation, and ability to function with them. Turns out I had completely forgotten what people do when no one needs a snack, a ride somewhere, or help finding something that is literally right in front of them.
World Down Syndrome Day is personal for me because Down syndrome is part of someone I love more than words can explain: my daughter, Leilani. She has taught me that milestones may look different, strength comes in many forms, and a diagnosis is only one small part of who a person is. March 21st is a day to celebrate Leilani and others with Down syndrome, challenge misconceptions, encourage inclusion, and remind the world that our differences are not something to apologize for. They are something to understand, respect, and celebrate.
Turning 40 was supposed to be about getting older. I didn’t expect it to be about learning how much a person can carry and still keep going. After losing my mom, watching my children grieve their Harmony, and seeing illness, loss, and heartbreak touch people my own age, 40 suddenly feels different than I ever imagined. This is a deeply personal story about losing a parent, navigating grief while raising young children, being the “strong one,” and realizing that sometimes the hardest part of getting older isn’t aging at all. It’s learning how to live with the people and pieces of yourself you’ve lost along the way.
Racism is not an abstract issue to me. It is something I have carried since childhood, from being called racial slurs in school while adults looked the other way, to being told as an adult that racism somehow no longer exists. This is an open letter about what it means to listen when people of color share their experiences, to confront the biases we were taught, and to understand that silence does not make racism disappear. If we truly want something better for our children, we have to be willing to see it, talk about it, and do better.
It’s spring. Everywhere you look, there are articles in magazines and ads for ways to get your home cleaned and organized. I love organization and …
Every summer my family always gets together and we go on a big family camping trip. We aren’t able to do that this year so …
Father’s Day is a day to celebrate dads and all they do. Here are some fun gift ideas for dads to recoup, relax, and enjoy the day!
Make Mother’s Day extra special this year. Mother’s day should be about feeling loved and appreciated and maybe relax a little.
