When her mother tried to register Saundra Smith for school in Port Arthur, Texas, she got a surprising response. “They said they didn’t have a nursery school, and that she should bring me back next year for kindergarten,” Saundra said. Old enough to be a … Continue readingShe deals with the weighty issues of carcinoid cancer
Jenny Willis-Davis was working in downtown Houston last October when her husband contacted her. “He got a phone call from school. They told him, ‘You need to come get your son immediately or we’re calling the ambulance,’” she said. Not something that any parents want … Continue readingThis parent an advocate for young athletes’ health
Sometimes, one incident can change your path in life. For Derek Coy, it was the death of a close friend to gun violence in 2004. “He was everybody’s best friend. It was one of the hardest things I have been through, mostly because it was … Continue readingMaking a difference for veterans with health issues
It’s not always easy. But as the mom in a family of six, Amanda Vela tries her best to spread the love around. “One of my biggest challenges is time,” she said. “With multiple children at different ages, it’s hard to find the time for … Continue readingDaughter with cerebral palsy inspires mom
This was written by Ruth Elliott about her husband, John. His name is John Elliott. He is currently teaching at Lee College. To some, that may not mean much. But to me, it is a testament to a man who when I first met him … Continue readingWife marvels at her husband’s transformation
Sylvia Escontrias caught the business bug as a teenager. “I remember telling my parents when I was a sophomore in high school that I was going to get a job at the mall,” she said. “They laughed and told me not to let my grades … Continue readingShe is sold on being a successful businesswoman
There were a few family dogs through the years, but none that Megan Swaney could call her own. “I had been wanting my own dog since I was 6,” she said. “It wasn’t until I was 23 that I finally got one.” Now, Swayze the … Continue readingDog groomer draws strength from military career
When it comes to family togetherness, Tamlyn and Toby Hayman are experts. It’s a benefit of living with their six children — four girls and two boys — in a home that measures only 32 feet long by 12 feet wide. “Our first house was … Continue readingFamily embraces togetherness in their tiny house
It was two years ago at a private function. Like 40-plus similar occasions during the busy holiday season, George Jones was decked out in red and white. As usual, he was the star of the show. Kids are excited to sit on Santa Claus’ lap … Continue readingPlaying Santa Claus can be serious business
While his older brother and cousins were outside playing football, Zach Zellars sat in the house drawing and watching cartoons on TV. Later, he would learn to love the sport that helped him earn a college scholarship. But art is what really captured his heart. … Continue readingAspiring young artist determined to follow his dream