NameDiane Smith Age78 How long have you lived in Baytown?74 years; in 2021 I moved out of state with my daughter, my only surviving relative. She was also ready for a change. Most interesting fact about youI’m an amateur writer — short stories and novelettes, poetry … Continue readingMoving forward despite tragedy
“Growing up, there was a lot of chaos and turmoil in my home. I had two drug-addicted parents. And when I was 8, my mom started dealing drugs. People were coming and going. There were a lot of unsafe activities. There was alcohol. There was … Continue readingMagical life blooms after challenging start
“Alicia was my fourth child, my littlest one. She was like a little porcelain doll. We pretty much centered ourselves around her. She was my kids’ pride and joy. She wanted anything, she got it. She was going to turn 2 last July. Then in … Continue readingBlessing box: ‘Her story doesn’t end here’
“I was diagnosed with autism when I was 6 years old. My dad didn’t really understand what autism was. I asked, ‘Is there something wrong with me?’ My mom said, ‘No. It just means that you’re special. It means that you’re unique, not like everyone … Continue readingSports families boost student with autism
“Healing comes from letting there be room for all of ‘this’ to happen: room for grief, for relief, for misery, for joy.” — Pema Chodron “Grief doesn’t just bring tears. It enters your heart, your bones, your spirit, every movement and breath you take. Losing … Continue readingEarring project helps keep couple’s story alive
“I think people sometimes imagine what it would be like to get a cancer diagnosis. I always imagined I would be really upset, and break down and cry. The most upsetting part was talking to my children. But with the actual diagnosis and the prospect … Continue readingCancer experience draws family closer
“I had my heart set on a Basset Hound. But then we looked at this breed of dog I had never heard of, called a Rat Terrier. In that moment, I knew I was not going home with a Basset Hound. It ended up being … Continue reading‘There will never be another Samson’
This story contains excerpts from “So I Won’t Forget,” by Cindy Lipps, D.V.M. She began her veterinary practice at Archer Road Animal Hospital in Baytown in 1984. “My youngest daughter married in October 2016. In 2017, our church offered a Dave Ramsey study on saving … Continue readingThe day ‘my life changed forever’
“It began late July last year. I had the COVID delta variant. I spent 40 days in the hospital. It kind of freaks me out to talk about it. “I started at Patients ER. Then I was transferred to El Campo Memorial Hospital. My lungs … Continue reading‘I busted my butt’ to recover from COVID
“My hearing loss was a gradual thing. Then two years ago, I lost it completely in my left ear. “With about 70% hearing loss in my other ear, I really started to feel isolated. I wouldn’t admit it to myself at first, but I was … Continue readingImplant ‘a miracle’ for music lover