Winter is here, and, like it or not, so are the holidays that I try my best not to think about the rest of the year. This will be my third fatherless Christmas season. I think missing him gets hardest on November 1st and stays that way until December 26th. The only thing worse than ...

Dear 17-year-old Jordan, I won’t ask how you’re doing right now. 16 was an awkward year for us, so I already know the answer. I know that it seems like life is out to get you. I wish I could promise that the next four years are so much easier. I can’t. But I can ...

It’s easy for someone to forget that I’m not okay. I am good at putting on the ‘okay’ face and pretending that my heart isn’t still horribly mangled from losing my dad. It isn’t something I bring up meeting new people because I don’t want to be the “sad kid.” When someone makes an insensitive ...

The wet tile floor firm against my cheek. If I could have drowned in my tears… I would have removed my life vest without hesitation.   I shielded the truth by turning on the fan and shower water, by locking the bathroom doors, and by keeping this tale an undisturbed secret— until today.   I ...

“What I would give to have one more day of that year.” A friend recently shared a group photo from almost eight years ago, and a mutual friend commented this sentiment on it. The photo has over a dozen people in it. Most would agree that it was an incredible year, full of fantastic memories. ...

A lot of folks are really angry about people making posts via social media that encourage reaching out for help, and providing resources such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and Crisis Text Line. While I agree that we need to check in on our loved ones when we think they may be struggling, some ...

The term ‘exorcism’ comes from the Latin exorcismus, which means a calling up or driving out of evil spirits. An exorcism is defined as a religious or spiritual practice that involves banishing demons or other spiritual entities from a person, place, or thing that is believed to be possessed. Tales of exorcisms date back to ...

I have always believed that there was something wrong with me. I didn’t know what it was—whether it was a learning disorder, ADD, or something else entirely—but I knew something wasn’t quite “right.” Growing up, I excelled in school. Without sounding conceited, I am a fairly intelligent person and a quick learner. Due to my ...

Sometimes, I pretend. I pretend to be okay. It feels like it’s easier for everyone else when I do. Grief is awkward and upsetting and ugly, so I understand why it makes people uncomfortable. I really do. So, when you ask if I’m okay, I’d rather lie because I want to spare your feelings. It’s ...

To the teacher who didn’t care, All I wanted was a chance. A chance to do what I loved. It wasn’t just a hobby to me; it’s what I loved most in the world. By not giving me a chance, you took that away from me. It’s been over 10 years since I quit my ...