Joy

Thanksgiving is soon here. I was driving the other day and the radio station started to play Christmas music. My heart was full of joy and warmth. I love Christmas Carol. But suddenly, the...

Graduation

Season of graduation and prom. I dread, especially this year when Joey’s friends graduate high school. Each prom picture at news feed is the harsh reminder of the profound loss of future hopes and...

Eyes

When Joey was a baby, everybody said he had beautiful eyes, bright, transparent and glittering. When he grew up, I saw curiosity, passion and possibilities in his eyes, gazing, watching, and wondering. When he...

Shoes

For 7 years, I put Joey’s shoes at the door, no matter where we lived, east coast or west. These shoes of gator colors, his favorite. I pretended one day he would come back...

Rain

It rained on Thanksgiving. It never rained in San Diego, but it did this time, on a Thanksgiving night. I didn’t want to fall asleep, listening to the rain hitting on the roof, softly....

School

Last year when I found out I would teach 3rd grade, I panicked. Joey was diagnosed in 3rd grade. I panicked that these 3rd graders would remind me of the time Joey lost. I...