A soft breeze blows through gauzy curtains, which shift to let in the sun’s gentle rays. Morning dew clings to the flowers in my garden, their scent wafting through the air and into my bedroom. Just beyond the threshold, I hear the clatter of pans in the kitchen in preparation for an easy Sunday breakfast. ...

You used to hold my hand when I was ill, cradled me in your arms until I was calm. You watched me take my first steps with a thrill and laughed as your hand swallowed my little palm. But soon enough, I began to grow up. You knew your baby was drifting away. I traded ...

When life’s burdens were more than I could handle and my heart, a mangled organ with embedded blades, overwhelmed my mind and shattered my will to live, you came into my life. With eyes so bright they pierce through the gloom and a smile that chases away negative thinking, you rescue me from my mind, ...

“No, no, no.” Lilian takes one look at me and grimaces. We haven’t stepped outside, and already she’s regretting inviting me to her friend’s party. I can’t blame her, though. I don’t want me there either. It’s comfortable at home. Well, her home. A four-bedroom, two-story dwelling in central New Jersey, where my mother moved ...

To the young woman who’s going to do amazing things, How can I express my pride in you? Nineteen years ago, I never imagined the baby I held would have such a profound impact on  me. With each passing year, I have seen your creative spirit blossom as you found your voice, passion, and identity. ...