I found myself whispering, too, even though I wasn’t the one hiding in a closet while a drunken man beat on the door. “Bridgett, it’s okay. You’ll be okay. You do not have to answer that door. DO NOT answer the door, okay?” Bridgett cried snotty tears on the other end of the phone. “But... Continue Reading →
Jane, Jane, Jane, You'll probably kill me for this (or at least you'll want to). I can't stop thinking about writing this letter to you, and when I can't get something off my mind, I take action. I think you know this about me, so I'm pretty sure you'll forgive me even though you don't... Continue Reading →
Lizard, Thank you for breaking me in back when I turned 22. There was nothing Taylor Swift about it. Your dad and I tied the knot three weeks after I graduated from college and three weeks after my birthday, and I frantically searched for employment while serving as your stepmom. I felt like I was... Continue Reading →
Today's post is an essay written by one of my English Composition I students, Jessica Bacon. Jessica was a true blessing in my life this semester; she's an ideal student, a loving mom, and a caring person. She is certainly a true elevator person to all those she encounters, lifting others up and not tearing... Continue Reading →
*My English Composition I students wrote their final exam essays about three gifts they received in 2014. Some of their essays were exceptionally touching, meaningful, or humorous. I believe you'll enjoy reading a few of these--whose authors have granted permission for me to share on the blog--over the next few weeks. This essay is by... Continue Reading →
Today's post was written by one of my English Composition II students, Crystal Riley, on the topic of the motivation of gratitude. I have known Crystal since junior high school. When God allowed our paths to cross again and for me to serve as her instructor, I felt truly privileged and have enjoyed watching her... Continue Reading →
Dear Rhonda, Thank you for helping me find my house. I resisted liking that house since it was more my ex-husband's preference than mine. You might even say that I resented that darn house for a long, long time, actually. Slowly but surely, the longer I lived in it (particularly the longer I lived in it... Continue Reading →
As I gear up to go back to work full-time this fall, transitioning from an adjunct instructor to a full-time English instructor, I find myself fluctuating between excitement and eager anticipation and anxiety and grief as I let go of this period of my life--the stay-at-home mom phase. No longer will Maggie's cute babbling on... Continue Reading →
This piece was written by my former professor, who I like to consider one of my writing mentors, Dr. Teresa Burns Murphy, as a tribute to her parents. They will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary this month. Happy anniversary to a couple who obviously understand what it takes to love others well. My parents were... Continue Reading →
Today's post is by my friend Amber Hood, who is one of the most generous and compassionate people I know. I'm not sure if her students know how blessed they are to know her! Most of us know “The Gift of the Magi” by O Henry. It’s about a young couple that doesn’t have very... Continue Reading →
Gratitude Cup 