Follow me here: My Battle Call has new place to call home! Same storytelling, but now so much more. Prettier and more user-friendly! This new platform will be a wonderful new home to build a community. The goal remains the same: Increasing awareness, spreading understanding and acceptance. I hope you will check it out and… Continue reading My Battle Call has Moved!
The Real Magic Moments
Truth talk. Despite all the amazing videos we see across social media and the news...Most children with hearing loss do not experience a “magical” reaction the day they receive their hearing devices. The truth is, the REAL MAGICAL MOMENTS for a child with HEARING LOSS often come later. In smaller yet profound ways— They… Continue reading The Real Magic Moments
The Road to 14
"Mom, tell me what it was like when I was born." You were due on Thanksgiving day. Only, you made us wait till the following Monday before you decided to enter the world. At least it got me out of cooking. But, boy it was a long road leading up to that day. When the… Continue reading The Road to 14
Are We Encouraging Society to Sexualize Our Girls When They Play Sports?
Recently I read an article called, “Dear Target, Why Are All Your Shorts For Girls So…Short?” In the piece, the author wrote a cheeky (no pun) article about the lack of options for tween girl’s athletic shorts at Target. Her post has since been shared thousands of times, and the comment thread is heated.… Continue reading Are We Encouraging Society to Sexualize Our Girls When They Play Sports?
Rituals. The mundane moments that mean the most
Rituals. Every morning we do this thing. My daughter plops down on my lap while I sip my morning coffee. Today, was no different. My daughter asked the rhetorical question asked every morning, "Mom, will you brush my hair?" Handing me the brush without waiting for the answer. Only, this time I almost gave her… Continue reading Rituals. The mundane moments that mean the most
Let’s make horseshoes instead of circles
It was a new neighborhood, a new school, and I had the new kids. We nervously arrived on the first day of school, immediately passing a group of chattering moms taking photos of their kids wearing freshly pressed shirts, with newly shorn haircuts to boot. It seemed everyone had their own circles. As my kids… Continue reading Let’s make horseshoes instead of circles
What I want to tell new parents whose child has been diagnosed with hearing loss
To the new parents of a child diagnosed with hearing loss, I know how you are feeling. I have been there. And I am here to tell you— It is going to be OK. Yes, it is going to be challenging and you might find yourself thinking you aren’t made for this kind of stuff.… Continue reading What I want to tell new parents whose child has been diagnosed with hearing loss
I Get To Do This
Today started unusually chaotic and rushed. The kids slept in since they’d been up late all week trying to catch up on middle school stuff. As we all buzzed around the house, looking for this, packing up that—my daughter shouted from the top of the stairs: Mom, can you make me a lunch, please? For… Continue reading I Get To Do This
Boys Will Be Boys
Boys will be boys. Boys will be empathetic. Boys will be kind. Boys will be brave. Boys will be good listeners. Boys will be intelligent. Boys will be love. Boys will be good friends. Boys will be good brothers. Boys will be good sons. Boys will be good boyfriends. Boys will be good husbands. Boys… Continue reading Boys Will Be Boys
The Greatest Generation
Weekends growing up on base were the best. After playing outside with a bunch of kids in the field, collecting sticks for fort-building, riding bikes, and fishing at the query, all of us on the block would gather at a neighbor's house once the streetlights came on. Lounging on a green velvet sofa, a gaggle of… Continue reading The Greatest Generation
This is 12
My Wish for you, Daughter, May you always see the beauty in nature: oceans, trees, and mountains. May you always know your body is a temple, designed perfectly and beautifully. May you always have a friend who understands you and accepts you for being you. May you always embrace your strengths while allowing vulnerabilities to… Continue reading This is 12
Why I Avoided the Doctor Like the Plague
I’d been avoiding it like the plague. I just couldn’t handle the idea of sitting in that chair, facing all the questions. And I was stuck in a wrestling match, deciding if and when I did cross that threshold, would I tell the truth or unload a bunch of crap. I canceled 3 times. I… Continue reading Why I Avoided the Doctor Like the Plague
Kids, I Want You to Know These Things
A few things I want to share with my kids as they head back to school: Find strength in your gifts and humility in your weaknesses. Choose being courageous over being perfect. Admit your mistakes. Take responsibility, apologize, and move on. Give credit, where credit is due. Share your lunch with the kid that forgot… Continue reading Kids, I Want You to Know These Things
The Bloody Car Line
Don't Get Me Started On The Bloody Car Line It's petty. I know. But. For. Gosh. Darn. Sake. (Trust me. I could say it differently, but there are children present, after all). . . I digress. What is so hard about it? The car line. The morning and afternoon torture-chamber. All. School. Year. Long.… Continue reading The Bloody Car Line
You Are a Runner
If you have ever made running a habit, then you know. No matter how long it’s been since your last one, you are still a runner. It is in your bones, your blood; it rests in your core. It can be a form of therapy. At least I know my soul is filled-up when I… Continue reading You Are a Runner
My Battle Call 