Category: 2012_February
The Heart of a Survivor
Ten years ago my life changed profoundly. Not only did I become a first-time mother, but I also became a mother to a child with a congenital heart defect. At 3 weeks old, my daughter Lucy was diagnosed with Tetralogy of Fallot. During her first year of life, Lucy had 10 surgeries. It was shocking [...]
What I Want You to Know About Older Child Adoption
My husband and I adopted our daughter a little over a year ago. She came to us at age 9. She was abused, neglected, homeless and abandoned during her first four years with her biological family. Then she bounced around foster care for the next five years. She had a dozen sets of “Mom and [...]
Single Parent or Superhero?
Carpool (check). Work (check). Lunch break? No. Pay bills, schedule doctor visits (check). Pick up kids (check). Homework (check). Worry about bullying. Dinner (check). Referee sibling squabbles. Collapse on
Oregon’s African-American Heritage
When most people think of the places where African-Americans have left their marks in history, the Pacific Northwest is not at the top of the list. Yet, African-Americans have a long history in the Oregon
Love Portland: How to Serve Your Community as a Family
Compassion is a quality all parents hope their children will develop. A powerful way for parents to encourage compassion in their children is to engage in community service as a family. Follow these steps
Portland Trail Blazers & Hands on Greater Portland
Created 11 years ago by the Portland Trail Blazers, Heart of the Community Awards, in partnership with Hands on Greater Portland, recognize outstanding volunteers and volunteer programs. They highlight everyday volunteers, some well-known and some not, who embody the spirit of service. Hands on Greater Portland will help you make a meaningful difference in your [...]
Feel the Energy of Fairbanks, Alaska
Fairbanks, Alaska is full of juxtapositions. It feels like an entire world away, but is only a short 2.5 hour flight from Seattle. There’s a quaint, small-town warmth and charm to this place, but as Alaska’s second largest city, it has a bustling population of 35,000. Though you can count on seeing moose and vast [...]
