Exploring one of life's most valuable gifts
Although living in one area for the past several decades has helped me to build and sustain many local friendships over time, I was reminded by a recent dinner with a friend I met in Germany more than 30 years ago that lasting bonds can be formed in a relatively short time. When I moved... Continue Reading →
Becoming a parent is an experience that forever changes the landscape of friendships. Before parenting, most of us make friends at school, work and through shared interests. But once the first child arrives, hobbies can become memories. And in my case, any time not commuting or at work was spent parenting and attempting to stay... Continue Reading →
Summer can feel like a gift, but also a bit like a tease. Once it's finally and reliably warm enough by July 4 to plan a beach outing in the Chicago area, we have to face the fact that summer is nearly half over. Still, summer is easily our favorite time of year here at... Continue Reading →
The longer days and warmer weather of the summer season offer many opportunities to create new memories with friends. Sara and I have written before about this treasured time of year when we can spend more time outdoors with friends, bringing us closer to nature and each other. Whether it’s a leisurely walk through the... Continue Reading →
Father’s Day is this weekend, an annual celebration of the dads and father figures who shape our lives. There are many ways to recognize the everyday heroes who quietly helped raise us, and then guide us through adulthood. For me and Sara, we’ve shared in our writing the impact our own dads have on our... Continue Reading →
Watching my 17-year-old son John prepare for his upcoming trip to live with a host family in Germany this summer fills me with complex emotions. I am incredibly proud of him, seeing him embrace this new adventure. But I am also a bit anxious, a natural concern for his well-being so far from home. With... Continue Reading →
May is always a big month for celebrating milestones, such as college graduations and the unofficial start of summer. Now, it also will be the anniversary month for me and my new husband, Mark! Last weekend, Mark and I got married in a small ceremony witnessed by our families and a few dear friends. Keeping... Continue Reading →
Global Volunteer Month officially ends this week with the end of April, but making time for volunteering is important any time of year. It is also a great way to establish connections and make new friends. Nonprofit organizations often work with limited resources, so giving your time or talents can make a real impact. At... Continue Reading →
Women's sports are having a moment. Along with over 14 million people, I witnessed Iowa’s victory over UConn in the recent Women's NCAA Final Four tournament. It was the most-watched women’s basketball game of all time and the largest audience ever for an ESPN basketball broadcast. As the daughter of a proud Iowa alum, it... Continue Reading →
In honor of this final day of Women’s History Month in 2024, I would like to share more of our friendship history; a history of two women that spans more than four decades and relocations to new states and a different country. People are sometimes surprised that the friendship between me and Sara has not... Continue Reading →
Language of Friendship 