All details of this morning were lost to small eyes and small ears. Two laughing boys in the living room dreamed of better places. They jumped from couch to couch in a dangerous, playful fashion. Neither noticed the colorful sunrise or the sunny fall day. Devin only watched the clock move way, way too slow….

The dawn broke. A glimmering violet strain off towards the east at first, moments passed and blues could be seen as well. There was enough light to see an all too familiar upsetting site: no sailboats in the harbor. The ocean can at times overwhelm you. Tickling all of your senses at the same time….

On the greatest days of my life I am blessed by helping others. These are the days where I learn life lessons, make connections, and live the greatest stories. I moved to Cedar Rapids years ago, now, and I met some incredible people. The best part is these people introduce me to others who are…

She was tired. The kind of tired where you could sleep for days and somehow feel more tired. She would awaken further stuck in a stasis, deeper in a pit of quicksand. Anything seemed like a good idea if only she had the energy to do it. Nothing was new, and there was sure nothing…

At needed times certain pieces of advice echo through your mind. They are right on time, too. Something from the past that makes you smile at last. Something that turns your weakness into a strength. I hear a fond voice in my ear. “I like the odds against me.” This gives you the right mindset…

Rain streaked the windows on a shockingly basic September day. The blinds were open just enough to see out. A small hand gripped the window sill. Jason pulled himself up to see out. He was short for his age. Many kids have big dreams, Jason’s dream was to be big. Like every time he looked…

I stand on the front porch of the dormitory that has become my home. My eyes wide with no real explanation of what I am holding. A package about the size of a shoe box. The return address was 16 Creek-side Road. I turned the box over. I shook it. When I turned the box…

How could something I used to enjoy so much have become so scary? I stood at the edge of something that in the past had brought me comfort and now brings me fear. The water was so still; it almost did not even seem like there was water in the pool. If my refection was…

From the distance this farmhouse was at least one hundred years old. After a good long glance; anyone would have guess two hundred. Every piece possessed just the right amount of age and wear to give the feeling the home was abandoned. The windows all looked too old to open. The houses’ green paint was…

If you are going home I want you to know that you can make it. I know you think you cannot. Feel your pulse beat. That is your heart. You will make it home. I believe in you. That is why I gave you my heart. -Your Grandmother NEVER GIVE UP ON LIFE. NEVER GIVE UP…