‘Smiles from Drew’ fills hidden needs
There are kids in your community who are keeping a secret. They want to participate in after-school activities but they won’t ask. Even in elementary or middle school, these kids already know the state of their parents’ or guardians’ budget. They won’t ask to learn how to play the tuba or join the football team
My mule surrenders
Jordan, my 15 year old daughter, is learning to drive, so I had her give me a tour of all the hidden neighborhoods in Aberdeen this weekend. She’s a runner, so she has seen way more of this town than I have. The grass is always greener in other people’s yards, so while we have
Kindness makes its own rules
I am a rule follower. It makes me very nervous when someone uses a discount card that doesn’t belong to them or parks in an area that is designated for a specific business. I do like to speed, but that’s another story. My friend, Amanda, is also a rule follower. We both know that sometimes
Be impatient
I got to speak for the first time in Aberdeen last Friday. The place was packed with new friends, and as I stood there, I felt grateful. At the end of my talk, I asked if anyone wanted to share their own story of kindness. A woman named Liz raised her hand. (For the record,
Getting kindness wrong gives us the chance to make it right
I often forget what a tough spot my kids are in each day. I send them off to school and ask them to be kind, but sometimes that gets confusing. When the teacher is talking but a friend is trying to get your attention, what is the kind solution? When you’re trying to do your
When stupid thoughts steal your sleep
Have you ever had one of those nights where you’re almost asleep and your mind floats off and you’re sort of dreaming your way into blissful unconsciousness? Then all of a sudden those random thoughts form a real thought and BOOM! you’re wide awake? I asked my daughter if that ever happens to her and
Kindness set the tone in teacher’s classroom
You know how teachers have favorite grade levels? The ones who teach middle school will tell you they love helping kids work through the uncertainty and challenges that come with being a new teen. The ones in high school enjoy developing the gifts of young people finding their way in the world. And the teachers
