When I first heard about the shooting in Las Vegas, my reaction was muted—“Another shooting”, I sadly thought. But then, on the way home from work, I listened to first-person accounts of the shooting.  As I heard a man describe what happened, I had a sinking feeling in my gut. This event was even worse than I imagined. Joyful concert goers, listening to the music they love, thought they heard fireworks—until they realized that a fusillade of bullets was raining down on their bodies. No more needs to be said. Most of us have either seen or heard this disturbing news. Read more about The horror in Las Vegas

Lately, it’s hard to pick up a newspaper. Hurricanes, one after another, have pounded the Caribbean, Florida, and Texas. Mexico has been beset with earthquakes—hundreds have died. It seems like the earth has been in a state of crisis, taking out its fury on innocent men, women, and children.

It’s easy to experience compassion fatigue. As soon as the new hurricane hit, we didn’t hear much about Houston anymore. But trust me, there are still thousands of people in Texas up to their eyebrows in water logged furniture, walls, and belongings. Read more about Recipe for life: Gratitude, resilience, and community

It’s happening. Kids have made it through the beginning of school with all its excitement and nervousness. Now the pace is quickening, and students are half way to their first progress report! (Help!) Teachers have set the tone for the year and clarified their expectations. They allowed the kids to accelerate slowly into the school year—but now they are up to speed. Read more about The First Weeks of School

Childhood is only a small part of our life. We are adults for the next 60 years or so. When our kids are in their 20’s they are trying to find their place on the adult stage. It’s another transition for us parents. Read more about Reflections on Parenthood