Uncategorized

Words of remembrance

A few people have asked me about my remarks for my mother that I had the privilege to speak at her mass yesterday. Here they are, with one tiny edit. All but one of you won’t even notice… Thank you for coming to show your love and to honor Eileen Helen Crilly West, the greatest… Continue reading Words of remembrance

Breast Cancer · Cancer · Friendship · Grief

Setting myself up

There’s a phrase that I learned early in my career that has proven helpful in many aspects of my life since. I remember someone talking about how the best thing you can do for a child is to “set them up for success,” and it has been my number one rule as a teacher. It’s… Continue reading Setting myself up

Anxiety · Depression · Life · Uncategorized

My apologies

I apologize. A lot. It’s one of those things that is apparently very common among women, especially those of my generation, it seems. Even more so of those with anxiety. I’m told all the time that I need to stop or that it’s not necessary. It’s even met with a slightly dismissive laugh from many,… Continue reading My apologies

Uncategorized

That’s what I miss.

Everybody has these days. For no real reason, you can’t sleep. You’re not particularly tired and there’s not really any purpose in staying in bed until your alarm. You get up and go about your morning. For me, instead of things around the house, I always find myself going in to work early. There’s always… Continue reading That’s what I miss.

Family · Life · Parenting

What is happening to us?

Daughter has spent the last weeks preparing for her very first high school social event- homecoming. She’s shopped for a dress, talked makeup and hair, been all abuzz with her friends about how they’ll get to the dance and who they’ll hang out with. She did the parade and danced alongside the float for her… Continue reading What is happening to us?