When ‘girl code’ clearly didn’t exist… — I was finally able to sit upright without vomiting, but the room was still spinning. Tears and mucus leaked from my face. I zipped and buttoned my jeans with shaking hands, grabbed my purse, and looked around for the door. I stood up, noting the pain between my legs and…

I’m an Aquarian hyperventalist with a taste for philosophy, great food, and even better conversation. — As an introduction, I’m going to share that I have a cassette box set of The Prairie Home Companion with the irreplaceable Garrison Keillor circa 1986, it is one of my favorite thrift store finds, and perhaps one of my favorite possessions, period. If that doesn’t get us off in…

It didn’t go the way I thought it might. — I volunteered and even served on the board of our local Pride organization almost a full decade before my child came out to me. I had many LGBTQ+ friends and chosen family. …

A loving entreaty to adoptive and foster parents from an adoptee to please… stop talking and listen. — On a warm August day in 1989, I walked out of a courthouse in SC and blinked against the sun. I felt numb. I was now legally the daughter of this man and woman I only just met a few months ago, and sibling to their creepy (also adopted) son. …

Is there a ticket to a more joyous, healed future? — The awkward silence fills the spaces between us after I share a snippet of my childhood abuse, and someone shifts in their seat. The chair squeaks and they chuckle nervously. Breaking the silence, a middle-aged woman says, “Well, you’re so strong to survive all of that. I don’t know how…

Can we balance gratitude with reality and still come out on top? — Five and a half years ago, I slept on a queen-sized air mattress on the floor of an apartment bedroom. Originally bought for camping, it was part of the limited amount of possessions we were able to take when I left my ex-husband, who had been verbally, mentally, and psychologically…

The black sheep, the rainbow sheep, and the families we create ourselves. — Just checking my list a second time, I review all my notes: Turkey- Keith’s Dad’s bringing Stuffing, three kinds Mashed potatoes & gravy Sweet potato casserole Green bean casserole… I’m going with paper plates this year, as well as disposable foil pans so clean-up won’t be too hard. I also…

Out of desperation, a reminder of the power of community, humanity, grace, and hope. — Standing in the glow of the refrigerator light, I surveyed the contents. It was grim. Two shelves were basically bare. One shelf held carefully prepared lunches for the kids: ziplocked baggies of sandwiches, baby carrots, cheese, and a generic juice box. A gallon of milk. Some odds and ends of…

Welcoming stories for a new publication, Served. — Please forgive my tardiness. I definitely missed muster here. Yes, Veteran’s Day has just passed. I had plans to work on this publication for weeks. …