January 12, 2022
by Maralee
Comments Off on Losing The Doctor That Knew My Baby Before I Did
Our family is going through an unexpected loss. Our pediatrician passed away. When I told my kids, my daughter said, “And wasn’t she your friend too?” She was. Not in the way my daughter thought. I didn’t know her personally … Continue reading
February 6, 2020
by Maralee
Comments Off on Bring Your Kids to My Funeral
At my funeral, hand out lollipops at the beginning. Kids like lollipops and they help keep them occupied. We used to bring lollipops to court hearings when we were foster parents so our kids would have something sweet to help … Continue reading
November 11, 2019
by Maralee
Comments Off on We Take Our Kids to Funerals
We took our kids to a funeral recently. I was getting ready to explain to them how funerals typically go, until I realized they’ve actually been to quite a few funerals already. And every time we take them, I think … Continue reading
March 15, 2019
by Maralee
Comments Off on Dear Mom, Please Live Forever. And Please Swedish Death Clean.
Moms of the World, You are loved. We cannot imagine a day when we won’t have you on the other side of the phone to celebrate the wins and commiserate on the hard days. Who will share our joy at … Continue reading
October 11, 2016
by Maralee
Comments Off on Mike Pence and What Happened to My Baby’s Body
This election cycle is ridiculous. The silver lining of it all seems to be that almost everyone I know is equally frustrated with the choices. However polarized these terrible options were supposed to make us, I think they may have … Continue reading
April 1, 2016
by Maralee
Comments Off on Memories of Shelli
I was honored to speak at my friend Shelli’s funeral this last Wednesday. Her death was unexpected, although she’s had physical challenges for a long time. The pastor who performed the funeral had people who knew Shelli from different activities … Continue reading
October 29, 2013
by Maralee
2 Comments
*I am honored to have Michelle share her wisdom on helping a friend grieve. Her story is precious to me. You can read more from Michelle here.* “I am convinced that learning the delicate art of grieving comes mostly through being … Continue reading
October 23, 2013
by Maralee
Comments Off on Michelle’s Story: Infant Death
*I am honored to host a series of guest posts by mothers on dealing with the loss of our little ones during pregnancy or shortly after. Each mother has written a summary of their journey and then a letter to the baby … Continue reading
July 12, 2013
by Maralee
Comments Off on Heavenly Jumping Roller Coasters
My six year-old Josh has become obsessed with roller coasters recently. Although he’s never ridden anything more exciting than the caterpillar ride that goes around in a circle at the county fair, he is sure he’s big and brave enough … Continue reading
June 10, 2013
by Maralee
1 Comment
Our family enjoys “Phineas and Ferb”. . . and I don’t just mean the kids enjoy it. I’ve found it to be one of the few current cartoons that encourages creativity, hard work, and family relationships. And it makes me … Continue reading