How did I let this happen? My body is frozen in disbelief, but my mind is whirling at warp speed. I shouldn’t have … I should have … I can’t believe …  My arm swings into motion, my hand reaches for my computer keyboard, and my finger hits the “mute” button. But it’s too late. […]

If you become easily overwhelmed by emotions, here’s a quick “test” for whether or not to trust your feelings.   “Your suitcase is 13 pounds overweight.” I stare at the Southwest agent. This can’t be happening. I feel disapproving glares from the mob behind me. The line of people who’ve been waiting an hour or more […]

This isn’t how I was supposed to spend this weekend. I stare at the grimy license plate in my hands. This isn’t what was supposed to happen at all. * * * * * It begins with the Monday morning call from Annemarie. “Mom, the Murano is making really strange noises, and I’m having a […]

“You’re just being a spoil-sport!” one girl accuses me. I grab more toilet paper so I can blow my nose and dab my eyes. “You just want to be the teacher’s pet!” another girl insists. The two share a mutual Our work here is done! glance, turn their backs on me, and leave me crying—now […]

  I stare at my counselor, my eyes unblinking, my brain unable to form words. Oblivious to my shock, she moves on to a new topic. Her mouth moves, but nothing she’s saying registers. I want to ask, “What did you just say?” Because she can’t possibly have said what she just said. Except that she […]