Beyond the Diaper Stage: Building a Community of Support
2/21/2019 1:12 am
As a mom, I’ve always been deeply aware of the constant need for diapers. The last-minute runs to the store, careful budgeting, and the overstuffed diaper bag were all part of my daily reality. But it wasn’t until I read Broke in America by Joanne Samuel Goldblum and Colleen Shaddox last April that I truly understood the crisis many families face when it comes to this basic necessity.
The revelation that essential items like diapers aren’t covered by food stamps or WIC left me stunned. How could something so crucial for a child’s health and a family’s well-being be overlooked? As I looked at my children, my youngest still in diapers at the time, I couldn’t shake the image of a mother, just like me, trying to stretch her diaper supply by leaving her child in a soiled diaper just a little longer. The only difference between us was circumstance.
The Space Between Us: Reclaiming Community, One Coffee Shop Conversation at a Time
11/12/2024 5:17 pm
When Joe Keffer lost his wife three years ago, he needed a way forward. He found solace at Staycation Coffee, nestled in a historic house in downtown Richardson. In its sunlit rooms, filled with the hum of conversation and the aroma of coffee, he found something unexpected: a new sense of purpose through three simple daily commitments: meet someone new, do something new, help somebody.
Every morning now, you’ll find Joe at his usual table with his laptop, a constant presence in Staycation’s morning rhythm. Through these daily intentions, he’s formed deep connections with people whose lives and perspectives differ vastly from his own. His approach is simple: “My values are firm, but I’m not trying to change anyone’s mind. I’m trying to understand them.”
This spirit of understanding that fills Staycation today began with a moment of unexpected empathy. In 2019, Nicole Gregory, who would later found Staycation, was working with a white realtor. The country was in turmoil as police officers killed Black men and boys, and Black Lives Matter protests grew across the nation.
Friendship After Kids: It’s a Mess (But Worth It)
10/8/2024 5:19 pm
Remember when friendship meant spontaneous road trips, sharing clothes, and dancing until dawn? Yeah, me neither. These days, my idea of a wild night out is a trip to Target without kids in tow. Welcome to the friendship evolution: motherhood edition.
Full disclosure: I’m still very much a work in progress when it comes to this whole friendship-and-motherhood balancing act. Despite all the parenting books out there, nothing quite prepares you for navigating friendships while juggling the demands of parenthood. But by sharing our experiences, perhaps we can gain some insights together
Kindness Meets Action: Navigating Election Season with Compassionate Candor
9/6/2024 5:15 pm
As we navigate this crucial election season, let’s remember the power of compassionate candor. This means speaking our truths with kindness and listening to others with empathy. By engaging in honest, respectful dialogue about the issues that matter to us as moms and citizens, we can build understanding and inspire action in our communities.
Imagine discussing the upcoming election with a neighbor whose views differ from yours. Instead of avoiding the topic, try saying: “I know we may not agree on everything, but I’d love to understand your perspective on the local school funding initiative. I’m concerned about classroom sizes, but I’m curious about what issues are important to you.” This approach often leads to more productive discussions and can uncover common ground.
