FAMILY
When I gave birth, we were unable to determine our new baby’s sex. We were living in a foreign country. My partner was working toward his PhD and I was assistant managing a restaurant instead of pursuing the teaching career for which I had undergone an MA. When our...
Lao Tzu said "When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be" I fell in love with Lao Tzu in college and have found his teachings speak truth to several different chapters in my life. I even strategically place his quotes in my husband's lunch when I think he...
Before I became a mother, my priorities were out of whack. I was in the Navy, but was more focused on being young and going out. I knew I had a steady paycheck already, and the thought of going back to college and working on my education daunted me. Once I became...
Pride month in our house is treated like a holiday season; not a glitzy, vacuous holiday season, but rather a month of finding space for community, sharing progress, and renewing commitment to fight for our collective rights. Like the ride of parenthood, the month is...
My mom Diane Todd Yates was born on the 4th of July and died on Christmas. When she died, I was nowhere close to ready to have a memorial for her. I wouldn’t even bring her ashes into my house. The ashes lived in my Jeep for six months and drove around town with me...
I am the proud mom to four children. My oldest two children are on the autism spectrum, and my youngest two are considered "neurotypical." When I first became pregnant, I never dreamed I would raise a child on the autism spectrum. The thought never crossed my mind. I...
I want my kids to be healthy and to have a good education, and to always watch their manners. I teach them: love who you are. Love who you are. And accept others as you want to be accepted.
"How quickly it all happens, you know? Some days it seems like it just drags on and on and on, and then you blink and they grow up. I’ve really learned how to slow down and appreciate the small things since my daughter came into my life. And I've learned I need...
On a warm summer afternoon a couple years ago I was walking along an art festival with my husband and children. Tents were set up along the pedestrian mall with artists of every medium showcasing their beautiful work. We passed a tent of oil paintings and out of the...
Motherhood changed my life and shaped me into a woman I never imagined I would be. I discover a new thing about this woman every day. Motherhood has not only taught me patience and compassion, it has taught me the true meaning of unconditional love and a determination...