“I was in an open setting for the last 10 to 15 years in prison. It’s like you’re living in a glass house. You do anything, everybody knows about it. There was absolutely no privacy. “That was one of the weirdest things when I got … Continue readingLife after prison includes plenty of adjustments
Sometimes, it’s the simple things in life. “We’re best friends. We spend a lot of time together. Our favorite trip was to New York City. It was just two Texas girls in the big city. We had a really good time. We’ve also taken trips … Continue readingMother, daughter enjoying life together
“I was about 12 years old when I started having problems. The doctor said it could have been caused by a fall. The only thing I remember is running across the playground at school. The ground had a little dip, but I didn’t see it … Continue readingDespite leg amputation, life is pretty normal
“I’m a licensed and ordained minister in music. I’ve been doing that for probably 20 years. I don’t really know how to read music, but I can kind of sight read. “A fellow I went to church with went into evangelism. He would hold these … Continue readingMusic can touch people when preaching can’t
“At first, our marriage was beautiful. It was blossoming. What I didn’t know was that he was a functioning addict. “He had a job. He paid the bills. He bought the groceries. But at the end of the night, when I would wake up in … Continue readingDrugs, physical abuse ruin her marriage
“My dream? Have you heard of the gospel singer named Mahalia Jackson? Ever since I was a little girl, I wanted to be just like her. I came up singing in the church, and my mom used to listen to her all the time. “But … Continue readingSinging takes her to ‘a place of tranquility’
“Children with dyslexia are intelligent. Their brains just process differently, so they need a different strategy to learn. “A lot of people think it’s just that they see letters upside down. There’s much more to it. Some parents don’t understand and get frustrated. They wonder, … Continue readingShe had ‘special connection’ with dyslexic kids
“As a former teacher, when the back-to-school ads start and I see those supplies in the stores, I get that déjà vu feeling. And when it’s time for the school districts’ convocations, I find myself wishing I were there. “When I walk into a school, … Continue readingFormer teacher gets that déjà vu feeling
“I have what I call blessing bags that we carry in our car. I pass them out to people on the street. I’ve probably handed out a few hundred. Sometimes I give McDonald’s cards or a little money. “There are so many people out there … Continue readingBlessing bags her way of helping those in need
“I thought I would retire and get a part-time job to earn some extra money. Instead, I volunteer with CASA. I’m a court-appointed special advocate for kids who are in foster care. “I work with one family that has four kids and another family with … Continue readingFoster care kids have advocate in their corner