This past week we celebrated Guatemala’s Independence Day. The streets were filled with loud bands and parades, while blue & white flags waved from every window and doorway. Amidst the noise and celebration, I felt a quiet gratitude. Ten years ago Guatemala was just a name a map, but now it has been woven intoRead more
In light of the bravery of the anonymous victim and her demand for justice, my mind has been swirling with how do we respond as a culture when women are continually shamed into silence and then often blamed for sexual assault. If this is true in the United States, than it is ever more true inRead more
Last night I sat in the living room surrounded by seven college students. They squeezed onto the couch and two curled up on the floor, while I got out my laptop and a page of handwritten notes. They chatted as a few sipped coffee from small mugs and others scrolled through their phones […] Continue Reading…
“I have a problem” are not the four words you want to receive in a text message from your visa-carrying spouse while at U.S. immigration. I started to imagine worse case scenarios. His next text interrupted my thoughts, “I forgot my license.” I jumped into problem solving mode with a sense of […] Continue Reading…
[I wrote this post 4 years ago. Re-reading my own words with a tender-heart this morning. Maybe this mother’s day feels tender for you, too. Sometimes seemingly simple holidays can feel the most complicated. Sending a hug with these words.] There are many things I don’t yet know about motherhood. […] Continue Reading…
Last month I said good-bye to another friend. We sat cross-legged on the tile floor, a blanket thrown down where her table once stood. I pulled out plastic plates and a Tupperware full of spaghetti with red sauce. Her eyes were tired from the exhausting process of packing up your life into six suitcases. “Thank […] Continue Reading…
Exactly three years ago this week I published a letter to my future daughter on the site Spanglishbaby.com. Then NBC Latino picked it up and re-posted it. It’s probably one my favorite pieces that I’ve written. However, since then Spanglish baby has closed down it’s blog and when you […] Continue Reading…
If I was an artist I might paint something or if I could keep my succulents alive I might plant a tree in honor of this little life, but I am writer, so I will write. Giving words to this experience has not only helped me grieve, but also helped […] Continue Reading…
Yesterday driving home from the store on the only paved road right outside of town, I slowed down as I saw a family huddled together on the opposite side of the road. The older son, stood in the street to direct traffic around his parents who were kneeling down […] Continue Reading…
I am 33 today and despite my daughter’s concern that I am getting “older” I feel a deeply grateful. Maybe there is a certain wisdom and perspective that comes each year. I’d like to think I am little wiser, a little less controlling and a bit more joyful than […] Continue Reading…