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Suicide Prevention Day Matters
September 10, 2015 has been declared Suicide Prevention Day. For many people, suicide remains an abstract problem that plagues other people in other places. But, for local high school students and parents who have lost children to suicide, it is a very real epidemic that affects us all. Many suicide statistics are conflicting and outdated. […]
Character Is What You Do When No One ...
Originally printed in the Appleton Post Crescent “The true test of a man’s character is what he does when no one is watching.” This famous quote from former UCLA Basketball Coach John Wooden rings true, but how many of us, if honest, actually live it? My friends would tell you I am a pretty good […]
Unplug and Reconnect
Originally published in the Times Villager, March 2015 “I wish my mom would get a clue. She doesn’t know me or what I do online everyday. She tries to be relevant, but let’s face it-she’s not. It’s embarrassing.” “I wish my dad would spend more time with me. Real time doing stuff […]
Take Time To Have Fun
Originally Published in the Times Villager, November 2014 “I wish I could tell my dad to lighten up.” “My mom is so stressed and angry all the time. I miss her.” “We used to be best friends, now she doesn’t have time for me.” “My dad buys me stuff. I don’t want stuff. I want […]
Make the Most of Your Minutes This Th...
Live like you are dying. Live each moment like it’s your last. Dance like no one is watching. Song lyrics, bumper stickers, and clever wall art surround us with inspirational messages reminding us to capture each moment and treasure it. In vulnerable moments we privately pledge to live better, love more, and be thankful for […]
A History of Disconnection
“Sometimes I see my dad on his day off.” “My mom works two jobs and gets home after I am in bed.” “I have three dads, two moms, and nine grandparents, but some I have never met.” Two questions were posed to area middle school students at a recent youth event. How much time do […]
Words Matter
“Look at me, I am an ice skater.” I smiled in delight as the tiny blonde princess down the grocery store aisle swirled in a circle with her arms artistically poised over her head. When she caught my eye, she twirled even faster. I winked and told her she would make a beautiful ice skater. […]
Losing Lexicon
My daughter looked at me in disgust. A young couple bolted past us calling each other nasty names spewing a torrent of violent expletives before moving on. Feeling violated by this unwelcome barrage, we determined the words were common practice in their daily attempt to communicate. They are not alone. Proper English language usage is […]
Letting Go of Your Teen
Rekenekt by Trish Propson Originally Published in the Times Villager “I wish my mom would just back off. I can do things myself. She is so controlling.” “I wish my dad would let me be me. He always tells me what to do. I can make my own decisions.” Do these words, […]
Reconnect Broken Relationships in the...
“Your father is dead. His remains were cremated. I have handled everything.”The words hurt, opened up old wounds, caused me to doubt myself, and left me to grieve not only the death of my father, but another broken family relationship. Sadly, I am not alone in the pain of living in a broken, estranged family. […]
