Overwhelmed by the daily COVID-19 updates, the stresses of four adults living together in a pandemic, and five pets beneath our feet, I am doing a lot of self-therapy with ink, specifically poetry. Poetry is my journal, my written reflections of riding an emotional roller … Continue readingPoetry reflects emotional roller coaster ride
(During this time of COVID-19 and social distancing, we’ve been forced to alter many aspects of our lives. This includes how we deal with death and honoring our loved ones. In this essay, Susan Cummings describes what that meant for her family.) Funerals are for … Continue readingCoronavirus changes how we bring closure
“I’m not hiding anything. Trust me.”—Dodge, a Shichon-Shih Tzu/Bichon Frise mix “He earned his name on his first ride home in Dad’s truck. The girls thought it was cute, and so Dodge it was. He doesn’t really do any tricks, but he sure does talk … Continue readingCookie-eating, veggie-farting Dodge
“When we arrived at the hospital in Baytown, they rushed me into the emergency room. One of the doctors said they would need to run some blood work and also do a spinal tap. But based on my symptoms, he believed I had GBS (Guillain-Barré … Continue reading‘I felt like I was having to say goodbye’
“I like to cuddle.”— Darla, Old English Bulldog, adopted from a humane society in Florida “She looked awful when we got her. She was only 5 pounds and had mange really bad. She’s made a big transformation from then. “She was really scared when we … Continue readingDarla transforms into loving dog
NameAngel Middleton Age43 How long have you lived in Baytown?11 years Most interesting fact about youI’m almost embarrassed to say it. I’m 43 years old, and I’ve never learned to roller skate. BackgroundI’m originally from Miami, Florida. My family and I relocated to Houston in … Continue readingAngel Middleton: businesswoman overcomes obstacles
NameKathleen Merritt Age55 How long have you lived in Baytown?37 years Most interesting fact about youI have survived a lot of trials, tribulations and tragedies. BackgroundI was raised in Philadelphia. I moved here in 1982 with my family after our mother passed away. I found … Continue readingKathleen Merritt: chooses joy despite tragedies
NameJeannie Wood Age58 How long have you lived in Baytown?Since 1987 Most interesting fact about youI was attacked and nearly killed by two pit bulls last August. BackgroundI had gone to my son’s house, where his girlfriend had brought her two pit bulls. They were … Continue readingJeannie Wood: rebounding from pit bull attack
NameGina Bibb Age60 How long have you lived in Baytown?In the area all my life, but in Baytown until about age 52. Most interesting fact about youI am currently legally blind and unable to walk due to taking an antibiotic (Zyvox; generic name is Linezolid) … Continue readingGina Bibb: battling multiple health challenges
“Melissa’s boyfriend was never charged. The thing that really upset me was the way we were treated by the detective who was investigating it. He told us her boyfriend said he was taking care of her. But in reality, he left her lying in the … Continue readingMother continues to seek justice for her daughter