Cathartic journaling of an adoptive mom.
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The meeting place
Love and faithfulness meet together Righteousness and peace kiss each other. Ps. 85:10 Alan facilitated this exercise, personifying Mercy. Truth. Justice. Peace. It is a brilliant exercise – though as I was talking with Nicole, the youth has a harder time extrapolating and understanding the reason for these four, if they never experienced war. Nicole believe…
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Izidor at ROM
After the morning session I had 5 minutes to set expectations regarding the movie night and discussion afterwards. It was actually perfect. I often worry about the wrong expectations as it can sabotage even a great event. So I said that the film is inspired by the true story of Izidor Ruckel. Abandoned as a…
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How frameworks change the perspective
Rachel is so smart, I worry that few can catch all the nuances & intricacies of her presentations. There is so much depth in the content she shares always. She started the conference talking about the identity under attack When a group feels under attack they go into defensive mode. When a group is not…
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Rules of engagement
Before I know my audience closely, I like to take to the stage and make myself known. When I focus too much on the individual eyes in the crowd, I get distracted. I am afraid I would filter too much of myself – or I would have to make a conscious effort to stay on…
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Reflection on anOther:
During empathy night I could have shared. But initially Conrad was supposed to do so. His perspective. His take on infertility & adoption. We need more male perspectives on this topic. I was glad he offered. That morning I was invited to facilitate the evening sharing. I was glad to do it. But that put…
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What does it mean to be “another”?
When in English we refer to “another” something, we imply that it is one of a group of things. “Another car in traffic” , “Another person at the party”. “Another tree in the forest”, etc. “Another” implies inherent belonging, even if arbitrary. Labeling someone as just another person in the room leaves out any distinguishing…
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ROM 2026
Getting ready for anOther conference @rom.renewingourminds with some of my favorite people in the world. My kids have grown among these extraordinary humans, welcomed & embraced. They’ve been challenged & inspired to get out of their comfort zone, and I myself have evolved alongside them. The first morning on the Adriatic Sea is a whisper…
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My daughter
Selective & loyal Strong willed and sarcastic She speaks her mind Even as empathy rules her heart I have had a front row seat to her becoming And I know my personality & influence imprinted certain traits I love her wholly & completely Generously & freely She owes me nothing But I feel her generous…
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“oh-wow” the 4 stages of 2026 for J
The best season yet. I catch the drifts, the disconnection, and reconnect easily. We don’t take it personally, and we trust the deep love we share. Is it hard or easy to believe that I have disappointed & frustrated this daughter of mine plenty throughout the last decade? I loved her well and with clear…
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sharing bravely
They chose well for each other. In many ways inspiring me with their maturity and self-awareness, and well as ease in friendships and strong faith. I don’t like giving advice, but as their god parents I have asked for permission to share the things that I wished someone shared with me before I got married.…
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tagging along
Sometimes I think my daughter can compartmentalize better than me. She probably can, as she has fewer boxes to sort. There is this sweet spot of nearly teen, where loyalty and attraction and simplicity meet. Of all the people who expressed an interest in her, she likes only one, in a very nonchalant, relaxed way.…
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Chinteni forest hike
My first hikes were with my grandmother in the field, in Piatra Neam Prim, with a dig on the shoulder. At the same time Conrad went with Boy Scouts (Scouts) in Vermont. And yet our paths crossed, and now we wander together through Transylvania. On the eve of the holiday, we took the time to…
