I expected a little teenage “attitude” during my adoption journey – but never the level of anger seen in five of my six children. Over-the-top. Aggressive. Anti-social.… Read more “Evolution of the Angry Teen”
Life: Perspective from My 40-Year High School Reunion
How time flies. And how we gain perspective. Forty years ago I graduated from Billings West High School – one of the largest senior classes in Montana… Read more “Life: Perspective from My 40-Year High School Reunion”
Adoption, Anxiety, Altogether Now
That uneasy feeling from morning to night. Often invisible. Uncertainty amid structure and routine. Overwhelming fear when least expected. Phobias. Obsessions. Panic Attacks. Depression around nearly… Read more “Adoption, Anxiety, Altogether Now”
Testimonies of Hope – Family to Family
Never underestimate the impact that families can have one another. By being transparent. By describing real-life challenges. By identifying their children’s strengths. By sharing hard-fought successes without… Read more “Testimonies of Hope – Family to Family”
When the Media Gets the Story Right
The media can be our best friend when our stories are told with accuracy and compassion. Both WTIU in Bloomington, Indiana and WTHR in Indianapolis did just… Read more “When the Media Gets the Story Right”
Provider Fatigue – Yours and Mine
Today my son and I meet with a new mental health provider. I’m not holding my breath. I’m not expecting anything. We’ve both learned from past experience… Read more “Provider Fatigue – Yours and Mine”
Respect Thy Parent Voice
Plain and simple. Parents now their children best from years of observation and interaction. They might not used fancy terms. They might not know the latest clinical… Read more “Respect Thy Parent Voice”
What My Kids Need Oprah to Say about Trauma
On Sunday, March 11, “trauma” finally moved front and center during the highly-rated 60 Minutes. For over 13 minutes, Oprah Winfrey guided a thoughtful conversation about the… Read more “What My Kids Need Oprah to Say about Trauma”
Forgiveness – Personally Powerful
Upon arriving at Auschwitz, 10-year-old Eva Kor and her twin sister watched their family disappear – never to be seen again. Then Josef Mengele subjected them to… Read more “Forgiveness – Personally Powerful”
How the “System” Nearly Turned My Son into a Sociopath
Young adults who commit heinous crimes weren’t always evil. Once upon a time, they were innocent children – like my oldest son. His story is a cautionary… Read more “How the “System” Nearly Turned My Son into a Sociopath”