Our family’s experience with vaccines goes back a number of years. As we struggled with health problems, I prayed for God’s guidance in supporting my children’s health. Here is my story. Like every mother I have pursued health for my children. They all received childhood vaccines, but were prone to frequent ear infections, gastrointestinal upset… Continue reading Why Didn’t I Take the Shot?
Category: Parenting
Music and Drama with the Grandchildren
Recently our granddaughter had a part in a children’s theater production. It was great fun to see her perform in The Music Man! Our grandson had a school concert. The second-grade students sang songs and played simple instruments. The music teacher explained how the children were learning skills that would prepare them for reading music.… Continue reading Music and Drama with the Grandchildren
Against the Current or on the High Wire
What does it take to go against the current trends in our culture? Curiosity? Critical thinking skills? Perseverance? Sometimes circumstances give an extra push. For most of my nursing career I have worked in the hospital. I worked in hospital labor/delivery units, caring for women during childbirth. I took time off from clinical care—teaching Lamaze… Continue reading Against the Current or on the High Wire
The Joy of New Life
Spring is unfolding wonders all around. The cherry tree has blossomed and promises abundant cherries. The lilacs and lily of the valley are in bloom. A robin has built a nest in our garden shed. While my husband and I recovered from covid, the garden shed was an undisturbed place with shelter. The robin built… Continue reading The Joy of New Life
International Women’s Day
This post was originally posted in 2017. As women in the United States we can give thanks for the progress that has been made in women’s rights and opportunities. My maternal grandmother and paternal great-grandmothers immigrated to Michigan from Finland. With great effort they raised families while managing subsistence farms. My paternal grandmother wanted to… Continue reading International Women’s Day
The Gift of Children: Grandmother’s Perspective
It is good to pause and give thanks for God’s gifts. I am very blessed to have ten grandchildren. It is a joy to spend time with them, to attend games and concerts. I am also called to help them on a life of faith. Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget… Continue reading The Gift of Children: Grandmother’s Perspective
The Hidden Child: Book Review
Whenever I visit the library, I check the display of new books. Recently The Hidden Child by Louise Fein caught my eye. This historical novel, set in the 1920s, tells a story that connects the eugenics movement and the plight of a child with epilepsy. (Eugenics is a theory that the human race can be… Continue reading The Hidden Child: Book Review
The Art of Disagreeing
When my daughter was in grade school, she had a class that involved critical thinking. She was encouraged to think through problems. When controversies occur, we need this kind of skill. As a parent I have tried set an example of working through the issues our family has faced. It is important to be educated,… Continue reading The Art of Disagreeing
A Little Return to Normalcy
My husband and I will attend a football game at the high school tonight. Each marching band member is permitted two guests at the game. Our grandson and granddaughter will be playing trumpet and flute. It is a bit of a return to normal. The past year has been hard on children and teens. I… Continue reading A Little Return to Normalcy
The First Weeks with a Newborn Infant: 10 Recommendations
Childbirth can be exhausting. There are ways to prepare for this time period and ways to reduce stress during the first few weeks after giving birth. In the final weeks of pregnancy stock up on basic household needs and staple items (like we have been doing through the pandemic). During the first few weeks after… Continue reading The First Weeks with a Newborn Infant: 10 Recommendations