When I was little, we were trained to keep our family mystery a serious secret. We learned and practiced changing the topic of discussion when people would ask us about our mom. We learned how to not tell the truth, and avoid telling a lie at the same time. So even after three decades, most…
Ever since my teenage years when I started writing in my journal, I dreamed about becoming a famous and world-renowned writer. I would write in my journal three or four times a week about my feelings, daily activities, my beliefs, and future plans. Some nights I would write 10 pages. I would re-read my own…
When does your calendar start? Monday? Probably. Mine starts on Monday these days. A couple years ago, when I worked at a restaurant and ran my own organization, my calendar started on Wednesday, which was the start day of our work calendar. Back in my childhood, when I was in grades 1-5, I had two…
(Designed for Arlington Public Schools) Effect of Parental Incarceration on Children This workshop was designed to address the needs of Arlington Public Schools in helping their pre-school teachers to understand the effects of parental incarceration on children so they can support these families as children are prepared to attend school. However, this program could also…
The night my mom came home after five years in prison, I watched her from a safe and long distance, while siting close to my father. I told myself, “There is no window between us, there is no soldier watching us, there is no time limit. That’s scary.” For 1,825 nights, I was waiting for…