I don't think one ever recovers from losing a parent, no matter the nature of the loss. Losing anyone important to us comes with grief, and since parents are meant to be our foundation both biologically and socially, we mourn their loss most profoundly. In my case, both my biological parents are alive yet they … Continue reading The Never-ending Journey
Last week I noticed author Brené Brown posting some new downloadable graphics to commemorate the tenth anniversary of her book The Gifts of Imperfection. Immediately I decided I'd print out two of these and post one in my office and the other in the kitchen where my family can see it. I haven't (yet) read … Continue reading Releasing Ourselves from Shame
Last week I got way off track with my schedule for a number of reasons, a big one being that my daughter began another nine week session of online school from home due to COVID-19. My family has been here in this house together for 99% of the past five months, so you'd think more … Continue reading Allowing Myself Grace
As a child, I hated history class. All that pointless memorization. All those names of European explorers, battle generals, and document drafters that blended together in my brain. So many exact dates we needed to regurgitate, and for what purpose? In my high school World History class, I balanced a cheat sheet on my thighs … Continue reading Our Histories
Those who follow me here may know that I run a website called Adoptee Reading that catalogs books on adoption either written by or recommended by adopted people. I've had some ideas rolling around in my mind lately for how I might try to expand on the site, which I hope to be able to … Continue reading The Value of the Written Word
Karen Pickell: Between 