The Significance of Our Social Worlds
I’m taking a class right now where I’m learning all sorts of things about transitioning from high school to college or the workforce and beyond. Recently, our instructor mentioned that…
Down Syndrome’s “Exclusive Club”
I remember a day 17 years ago when Peter and I had spent hours with Penny at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. We were exhausted. But he needed to attend…
I’m a Denominational Mutt
When it comes to Christianity, I am a denominational mutt. I was baptized as an infant in an Episcopal church. I was confirmed as a tween in a Presbyterian one.…
You Can Be the Person Who Makes a Difference
I walked into the gym a few minutes late. Penny was perched on the sidelines along with the other cheerleaders. The boys’ basketball team had taken a slight lead. I…
Finding Places Where Everyone Belongs
Where everyone belongs. That’s the dream. That’s the hope. That’s the space and the community and the future we long for. Sometimes we catch glimpses of it. Penny and I…
Disability and Respect: Look Her in the Eye
I’m so grateful for the technician at the eye doctor appointment who assumes that Penny can speak for herself. I’m also aware of how surprised I feel that this young…
Domestic Monastery
“Raising small children, if it is done with love and generosity, will do for you exactly what private prayer does.” -Ronald Rolheiser, Domestic Monastery I just read this whole (very…
Interdependent Healing
My new year has started off with heavy news from multiple friends. One whose husband moved out. Another who lost her job. Another whose sister is heading to a treatment…
Time and the Luxury of Ethics
“Ethics becomes a luxury as the speed of our daily life increases.” - Judith Shulevitz talking to Ezra Klein (Episode: Sabbath and the Art of Rest) This conversation on the…
Image courtesy of Amber Beery
The Insidious Racism of Assimilation
Assimilation is an insidious form of racism and sexism and ableism and all the other isms. It’s subtle, because it comes in the form of an invitation, not an explicit…
