I’ve started dedicating 30 minutes a day to a “pity party” to fully acknowledge my struggles. This intentional grieving process has been liberating, allowing me to mourn and then move forward more present and focused. It helps me balance acceptance and hope, staying grounded in the present while envisioning a better future. I hope this practice can help others feeling overwhelmed.

Over Memorial Day weekend, my family and I retreated to Massanutten ski resort for a much-needed getaway. While we had ambitious plans to explore trails and enjoy outdoor activities, my body had other ideas. Instead, we embraced simpler pleasures like live music and naps, learning to honor my physical limits. This experience reminded me that the greatest adventures often lie in quiet moments. Despite the change in plans, the weekend was fulfilling, filled with gratitude for the present moment, and the joy of creating unhurried memories with our baby in a beautiful mountain setting.

Happy belated Mother’s Day to all the amazing moms! My first Mother’s Day was filled with joy as we celebrated at the beach. Surrounded by family, I cherished the blessings of motherhood. Yet, I also faced the sobering reality of my health, leading me to redefine dreams and prioritize well-being.

Recently, I’ve been grappling with persistent pain that’s forced me to confront it head-on. After a tough day with dialysis and a severe migraine, I’m reflecting on pain’s deeper significance, exploring how it might teach me resilience and spiritual growth.

Parenthood is full of precious moments. Today, despite the challenges, I shared a special first with Barney, lying beside him as he played with my sweatshirt drawstrings. It was a simple, heartwarming moment that deepened our bond—one I’ll cherish forever.

We celebrated my dad’s 69th birthday with a lively dance party, reflecting on the profound nature of love. I felt deep gratitude for my parents’ unwavering support and the privilege of experiencing such strong, enduring love that sustains us through life’s challenges.

I made the bold decision to cut my hair into a pixie style due to the challenges of maintaining long hair with a dialysis catheter. This change has been both liberating and practical.

Take a peak into what dialysis is like. Dialysis is a life-saving yet exhausting process for kidney failure patients.