I grew up with a second family. The Balkanskys took me in when I was in eighth grade and they still haven’t let me go.
I traveled with them on vacations and rolled my eyes like a belligerent teenager when they gave me unsolicited advice. Without fail, I always knew they loved me.
I was especially touched by this letter sent in ... Read More
I’ve changed my mind. I don’t want to be Mister Rogers when I grow up.
I still have his mug on my desk and his picture on my wall, along with King Friday and Daniel Tiger.
I still share the core values he lived.
I still long to grow stronger in the things he was so naturally good at like humility, gentleness and ... Read More
TRAM (The Ride Across Minnesota) is a five-day bicycle ride that raises money for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. While I love the idea of being active for a great cause, biking isn’t my thing.
But it is Harvey Laabs’ thing. He’s from West Fargo, and has been crossing the North Dakota/Minnesota border for TRAM since 1991. Here’s his story.
“It was ... Read More
I was lying next to my teenage daughter last night talking about life. We chatted about moving and finding new friend groups and how some high schoolers are really kind— and how others are not.
“Someday their mirrors will become windows, Mom.” she finally said. Her comment floored me. She wrapped up everything I try to teach about kindness in ... Read More
Have I ever mentioned I have the happiest email inbox of anyone in the world?
Seriously. Who else gets messages each day telling them about all the good things going on in our communities?
I love writing this column so much I would do it for free (but don’t tell my boss that)! I recently got an email from Becky Salberg, of ... Read More
It’s time to set your VCRs! Kindness is heading to LA, Baby!
I have my outfits all picked out, now if I can only get my mouth to cooperate with my mind. I’m in Los Angeles for two TV appearances this week.
On Tuesday, Nov. 12th, I’ll be on the Hallmark Channel’s Home & Family show (9am Central/10 Eastern) and then that ... Read More
Have you ever been on one of those vacations that requires an additional vacation just to recover?
My dear friend, Ann, celebrated a special wedding anniversary with a trip to Europe with her husband. Ann deals with a lot of chronic pain, so you can imagine the toll that flight took on her body. Luckily, Ann knows the power of kindness ... Read More
Did you know Outback Steakhouse has a gluten-free brownie they serve with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream covered with hot chocolate sauce, whipped cream and slices of deep rich chocolate?
The closest to Aberdeen is three hours away, so when I saw one next to my hotel last night, I was totally in.
Actually I was out. Meaning I ... Read More
I wonder how many opportunities for kindness we miss simply because we think, “It’s none of my business.”
I have driven past people without coats on a cold winter day and averted my eyes when someone was stuck on the side of the road. Have you?
Certainly, no one can do everything, but as the wife who sent in this letter explains, ... Read More
I’m pretty sure my new neighbors think I’m crazy. We had a nice weekend by South Dakota standards so I decided it would be a great time to put up Christmas lights. You know, just get them set up so we’re ready to turn them on in a month or two.
The first clue I was up to something suspicious ... Read More
