Today, my bed didn’t come. The storm, Isaias ripped through town. And, then my tooth broke. With everything else, I’m spiraling into a bit of sadness and thinking about my kids. This year sucks. But I’m not letting it take me down.

What better day to celebrate International Friendship Day 2020 than on a Thankful Thursday. I’m thankful for my friend who helped me get through my losses, so I recognize Renee today with this quick book excerpt. What about you? Tell us what friend you are thankful for today.

Parents want their children to be safe. Do you think about your child’s safety? That’s because you are STILL a parent.

Friday, July 24 is #SelfCareDay but I’m not waiting until tomorrow to start my self-care. I’m thankful for me today! So much so that I’m starting early and taking #selfcaretime for me today and tomorrow. How about you? How are you caring for you?

This month, Philadelphia has been following the story of the disappearance of little King Hill. We now know more. The two, almost three year old, was killed. His mother is heartbroken. So am I. *CORRECTION: King Hill’s mother’s name is Amber Hill. Her name was misstated in this episode. I apologize for that error.

Safe places are important. I don’t have just one safe place. I have many because I need different types of refuge at different times. One of my safe places is Scripture, especially Psalm 34:8.

Postponed is a verb that means to cause or arrange to take place at a time later than first scheduled. When my child died, my motherhood was postponed. What else has been postponed in your life because of your loss?

It’s another Thankful Thursday and even though it’s sometimes hard to find something to be thankful for, today I’m thankful for the shower. To be able to let the water trickle down my head and body and wash away dirt, thoughts, emotions and stuff.

Been feeling off for a while. But this month just didn’t start right. Couldn’t quite put my finger on what was wrong. Then a text told me all about it. It said, “July is Bereaved Parent’s Awareness Month.” That explains it.

Mother’s Day is today. I’m not sure how I feel about that.