A Coat of Arms

During a recent visit to the Texas Renaissance Festival, our boys set their hearts on shields. These weren’t the high-dollar shields gilded and adorned and safely on display in one of the many weapon shops at the festival. They were the high-dollar cutouts of pine, void of decoration and character. I placated our 8-year-old son, saying I would make him a shield at home. I knew I could easily make a simple shield to match the one he had set eyes on at the festival.  My heart, however, was set on making something grander. In the days that followed I Continue Reading …

Steady Hands

I don’t know what you see in their faces, but this little girl is holding it together—just—as she swirls with excitement and fear and desire and hesitation. She wants to be in control of this moment, but it is loud and fast and big and scary. Behind her, that man, he is her calm. His hand is steady as she shakes. His voice has a low, rich timbre that speaks peace and assurance. His presence gives her the courage to proceed. She achieves with his support, but could not proceed without it. Not every moment is so fraught. Not every Continue Reading …

Mentorship Moments

Over the years, as I have watched my husband take time in the most inconvenient moments to explain why or how or what, I have learned the indisputable importance of mentorship. Though I had some good leaders in my previous professional life, I was managed, not mentored. It has been the day-in-day-out representation of it through the relationship between my husband and our children, and the adult relationship between my mom and me, that has cemented for me how one can walk alongside teaching knowledge and wisdom, even when momentary pressures pull at your patience and attention. So now, I Continue Reading …