family – ksmithsays

Thanksgiving Random Thoughts

I’m thankful for new experiences. I’m grateful to have been able to quash the sometimes panicked voices in my head to overcome whatever the struggle was at the time. I’m thankful for being able to speak up for myself and others. I’ve learned over the years that if I don’t, I will become resentful andContinue reading “Thanksgiving Random Thoughts”

Step By Step

I don’t care much for heights. I’ve climbed Pinnacle Mountain a few times and I’ve never enjoyed it. I love to see my friends take pictures with their loved ones after they have climbed to the top, but I’ve always been too nervous. A few months ago I had the opportunity to fly in aContinue reading “Step By Step”

Happy Father’s Day, Dad

It’s Father’s Day and that day doesn’t conjure up many fond memories for me. My dad passed away in 2015 due to kidney failure, but ultimately from dementia. Dad was an old school man. He believed in working hard. There was no doubt that he loved his family. Somehow he didn’t know how to sayContinue reading “Happy Father’s Day, Dad”

Is it Really a Village?

In response to the fact that two 18 year-olds were responsible for two different mass shootings in less than a week’s time, I posed the question, “What’s going on with 18 year-olds these days?” I received a number of responses, and one that stood out to me was this: “…Please bring back parents and neighborsContinue reading “Is it Really a Village?”

Happy Valentine’s Day

Happy Valentine’s Day! Repost: The first year we were married, Greg arranged to have flowers delivered but they didn’t arrive until the next day. It was such a let down and I was so upset that I wrote the florist and told them that they ruined our first Valentine’s Day. Maybe that was a bitContinue reading “Happy Valentine’s Day”

Here’s to More “Happy” Days

I can count on one hand the times that I have hosted my family on a holiday. Mainly because I don’t enjoy cooking holiday food (or much more than breakfast food if I’m totally honest). It’s also because once when I hosted, I felt tension in my home amongst a few of my guests, andContinue reading “Here’s to More “Happy” Days”