When Mother's Day Is Hard

When Mother’s Day Is Hard

I’ve babysat in my youth and am the aunt who bakes. I’ve been called “piccola mamma” (little mother) by my papà when I took on the role my mentally ill mamma couldn’t. As a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for kids in foster care and as a team leader in the workplace, my mothering and…

Read More
Mental Health Awareness Month

Your Mental Health Matters: Stop Pretending You’re Fine

As caregiver to my mom and sister, both of whom were diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, I got good at pretending I was fine. From the outside looking in, I played the role of someone who had it all together. On the rare occasion when somebody would ask me, “Are you okay?” or “What’s the matter?”…

Read More
when no place feels like home

When No Place Feels Like Home: 3 Ways to Find Where You Belong

What do you do when NO place feels like home? What if when watching Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz clicking  the heels of her ruby slippers three times and crying out that famous line – “there’s no place like home” – you found yourself shaking your head, feeling very much alone, and silently wishing…

Read More