I started this post back in July and, somehow, never finished it. Life got busy, or busier, I guess. And before I knew it, here we are on the last day of December 2025. I began writing about how I've always appreciated being born in, and also living, in the U.S. - this country, I …
Tag: family
Mom, Another Word for Home
Motherhood, as in speaking (or writing, that is) about my own mother and that of being a mother myself, is - for me - another word for Querencia, my Word of the Year. In the beginning, I only thought of motherhood in reference to being a daughter. And, of course, I sometimes dreamed of motherhood …
Easter Memories & Home
This Easter was a busy one, at work and personally. Being an administrative assistant in a small but vibrant parish, I wear many hats in respect to supporting several ministries as well as the pastor and office manager. In addition, one of my sister's entered the Catholic church at Easter vigil making Holy Week extra …
A Love Letter to My First Home
Querencia, a place where one feels at home; a safe place; a sanctuary; and my word of the year, has me considering all the ways I've either felt safe, loved, secure, or have sought a safe haven from the stresses of this world. This month seems appropriate to write a letter to my first home, …
A Grateful December
Every year has its ups and downs, and mine was filled with them for sure. But life has a way of bringing goodness out of the most dire circumstances, especially when one is hopeful and optimistic. In January of this year, I chose Grateful as my Word of the Year, and I can say it's …
Thanksgiving is for Gratitude
Every day I am thankful for something. And often, my heart runs over with gratitude for all the many blessings I have been lauded. Granted, having a grateful heart means becoming aware of our blessings, acknowledging them, and giving thanks for them. And so, I have learned through the years that the more my heart …
March Gratefulness
Life has a way of keeping on, even if we travel the fast pace, or if we choose to sit on the sidelines. This month I've been striving to do what is most important in an ever-long list of urgent to-dos. And I've also been trying to take advantage of downtime. It isn't easy. Life …
New Year, New Beginning
Sometimes, when things go wrong, despite our best and well-meant intentions, all we can do is be grateful for new beginnings and to continue striving for kindness and growing stronger in love. Life happens and sometimes it can get messy. Recently, my unconditional love has been questioned as my tough love was not wanted, welcomed, …
Good Fathers Are the Best
Not everyone is blessed to be born with a good dad. And sometimes, even if we have a good dad, we might think he isn't because he doesn't spend enough time with us. Or maybe he can't hold a steady job. Or he has a bad habit we don't like. There are all sorts of …
Virginia Alice Crawford 