I’m sure by now you’re familiar with the name Katelyn Ohashi. Or if you don’t know her name you’d probably recognize her face. Katelyn is the college gymnast and two-time viral sensation who wowed millions this past weekend with her jaw-dropping, perfect 10 floor routine. You might even be familiar with Katelyn’s story. Once an … Continue reading Katelyn Ohashi Helped Me Find My Voice

Today I “accompanied” my son to the pediatrician for his annual check up. I did not “take” him to the pediatrician because my son drove us there, he filled out the required paperwork, he presented his own health insurance card. This child of mine is almost 20 years old. I simply came along to keep … Continue reading Thank You To Our Pediatricians

My son sent me this Snapchat from college, and when I first saw it I giggled to myself. So typical of his self-deprecating sense of humor, I guessed my son was poking fun at this singular solitary moment. I know he has friends at college. I know his day is filled with the bustle of … Continue reading I’ll Never Stop Worrying

I purchased this tree 15 years ago when we moved into our first home. It traveled with us when we eventually moved into our current home. The tree now stands in our chilly front hallway, in an inglorious spot next to the closet door. It’s never thrived. I’ve cut away many yellow and wilting leaves … Continue reading Create Something Beautiful

I thought I’d grown accustomed to these goodbyes—the suddenly straightened bedroom, the guitar back on its stand, the quiet. I know what to expect. My son is a college sophomore. This is not our first rodeo. And yet I’m finding today’s goodbye particularly difficult. Knowing he’ll be home again in 3 weeks is doing little … Continue reading Little Goodbyes

When I started looking at colleges almost 30 years ago, I never considered attending a single-sex school. It was actually my father who suggested I add one to my college list. And I’m so glad I did. I am now the very proud alumna of a women’s college, and can attest to just how exceptional … Continue reading Why Your Daughter Should Consider A Women’s College

I’m a member of an online group for parents of teens, college kids and young adults. Our kids are about to leave the nest or have already flown. A few of us are empty nesters. Today a fellow member of this online community asked the entire group what we miss most about our sons or … Continue reading Missing The Music

When I brought my preemie home 20 years ago, I had almost no idea what I was doing. What I did know was that my son, born 5 weeks early after a harrowing pregnancy, was small, underweight and fragile. I knew he needed my vigilance and good care. Unfortunately, so many of my friends and … Continue reading Don’t Touch The Baby

My husband has no such attachment to the stake we claimed in this Jersey town 14 years ago. Now he throws around the “D” word— downsize—like it’s not a matter of if, but when. And I worry that our children will miss out by not having this home to return to, even long after they’ve … Continue reading It’s Almost Time For Us To Downsize And It Makes Me Sad

Junior year of high school is a pivotal time for our teens. When my daughter began 11th grade just weeks ago, I’ll admit I felt the same trepidation I experienced when my son, now a college sophomore, started his junior year in high school. Then I remembered this truth: While this third year of high … Continue reading Junior Year — Navigating Big Changes