Walk and Role at the 6th Annual Fatherhood Walk

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June 1, 2016

While growing up is no easy feat, children need more than just a mother’s love and guidance. During the 6th Annual Fatherhood Walk, the community will join together to highlight the importance of a father’s role in the lives of his children. The day will feature a two mile walk through surrounding neighborhoods, musical entertainment, giant inflatables and a variety of food. Don Fathergill will address the crowd and Mark Robinson, founder of R.E.S.T.O.R.E., Inc. will explain the idea behind the gathering. Food donations for Feed Your Neighbor Food Pantries will be accepted. The walk starts and ends at Central Catholic High School.

9am/registration | 10am-4pm/activities.
Central Catholic High School | 2550 Cherry St.
419-377-1488 | restorefathers.org

Preserving The Foundation Amidst Great Change

By

Karen L. Zickes

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June 1, 2016

My late husband Jim and I shared mutual views on most everything when it came to our family life and how we chose to raise our three children; Morgan (16), Gregory (13) and Nathan (10). We agreed on the top priorities for our family, the values we wanted to instill in our children, and the things we did together, big or small, that made OUR family unique.

When my husband passed away almost three years ago, change became the only constant in our lives. As we picked up the pieces and created our new normal, I was determined to make sure the fundamentals that were the foundation of our family would remain in place. Through our journey of change, we have maintained three non-negotiable practices.

The family that PRAYS together, stays together

Jim and I always made our faith a priority and chose to make the necessary sacrifices to send our children to Catholic school. Faith based education was always very important to us. When my husband was diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer, our faith and those around us is what got us through that difficult time; and that faith continues to guide us on our journey today.

Attending weekly mass together and participating in various activities in our schools and parish is important to us and continues to strengthen our faith. This past September, my family made the pilgrimage to Philadelphia with the Toledo Diocese for the Festival of Families and Pope Francis’ visit to the States. Sharing such an incredible experience as a family left an indelible mark on us all.

The family that EATS together, stays together

Managing activities and various commitments for all four of us can make dinner time a challenge on most evenings. However, eating together, unless absolutely impossible is a priority for our family. It requires a bit of extra planning on my part. We may eat at 5pm, 8pm, or somewhere in between depending on the evening. But whenever it is, we will be eating together.

With three children going different directions and the oldest now in high school, our time together during the week is extremely limited. Putting aside time for a meal allows us face time to share our day and keep us connected. That time every day, no matter how brief, makes a big difference.

The family that PLAYS together, stays together

In our family, it’s not just about everyone attending events for the oldest child. It’s about all siblings supporting one another, even if we’ve all “been there done that” by the time we get to the third child. Schedules and commitments don’t allow my children to see every game or event, obviously. But when possible they attend each other’s games, musicals, special school events, family nights at camp, recitals, etc.

They may not always show it, but my children are glad to have their siblings’ support at their activities. It’s not about what everyone has going on for themselves, but rather what all of us in this crazy thing called life have together, and being there for one another.

The Zickes Family’s FAVORITE THINGS

Favorite Park: Oak Openings

Favorite Restaurant: We have many, but being pizza aficionados, we love Pizza Papalis

My Kids’ Favorite Activity: Ultimate Frisbee… they are never without a disc

Favorite Way to Relax as a Family: Picnics and hikes, watching movies chillin’ at home

Favorite Holiday: Christmas and Thanksgiving… it’s a tie

Favorite View in Toledo: Overlooking 5/3 Field… what an awesome ballpark right in our downtown

Downtown Restaurant is One You Won’t Forget

By

Karen L. Zickes

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June 1, 2016

Pam’s Corner

116 10th. Street, Toledo 43604
419-243-2081 | pamstoledo.com
Mon: 10a.m.-2p.m.
Tue-Fri: 8a.m.-2p.m.
Sat: 10a.m.-2p.m.

After a hectic school year— and that’s putting it mildly— schedules are finally relaxing a bit for my family. It’s time for us to get back to discovering all that T-Town has to offer. Downtown Toledo continues to see exciting new growth with businesses and activities but we can’t overlook those who’ve enjoyed opening their doors to Toledoans for quite some time.

Serving breakfast, lunch, and friendly service

After hearing great things about Pam’s Corner, we finally made it downtown for a visit. Their motto is simple: “Hard to find. Impossible to forget.” Located in the Davis building on 10th Street between Monroe and Jackson, it sits off the street, near the shops of Paula Brown, Sophia Lustig, and Sophie’s Sister. (Next time, a lunch date and shopping with a gal pal is in order.)

Fare for everyone

There is not a separate kids menu. However, there are several kid-friendly choices on the menu, and Pam explained that they are able to modify anything on the menu as nothing is pre-made. Of the 15 sandwich choices, there are two grilled cheese sandwiches under $6. All sandwiches come with chips and a pickle, but you can substitute carrots, apples, grape tomatoes, or cucumber slices. If your little ones are hooked on chicken strips, macaroni and cheese, fries, or burgers, you can find those too.

Though milk is not available, there are juice options as well as lemonade. I offer a word of caution on the lemonade if you have a little one with you: Request a SMALL glass. My children, however, were thrilled when their drinks arrived in what I’d call “mason jars on steroids.” Wow, that was a lot of lemonade!

Soups, salads, sandwiches, and ART!

The menu offers so many wonderful options and various specials every day. That afternoon we enjoyed the cream of asparagus soup, among the four choices that day. Pam’s offers a crazy list of 14 delectable salads on the menu. According to Pam, the pear salad, which includes pears, dried cranberries, spicy pecans and blue cheese, is a customer favorite. I loved my choice of the pesto chicken sandwich with sliced apples for $7. The shredded chicken with their homemade pesto, provolone, lettuce and tomato on toasted ciabatta was a perfect blend of flavors.

My daughter ordered the chicken salad sandwich on toasted bread with a side of mac-n-cheese and my youngest devoured the three cheese grilled cheese. The Taste of Italy was a favorite of my oldest son as it included salami, pepperoni, provolone and banana peppers on toasted ciabatta.

A couple specials that day included a pesto and mozzarella quiche as well as crab cakes. The specials are a menu in and of themselves! Pam’s Corner uses the freshest of ingredients and purchases from several local businesses such as Sofo’s, Stanley’s Market, Wixey Bakery, and Andy Keil Farms, to name a few.

After finishing our meal we took a leisurely stroll through the hallways that connect other businesses within the building. Adorning the walls were various pieces of artwork done by local artists. There is so much talent in this city! Art pieces are for sale and change out monthly.

Karen Zickes is a mom of three active
children and freelance writer who resides
in Holland, OH. She can be reached in
c/o [email protected]

Bottom Line: At Pam’s Corner, it’s true what they say: Hard to find. Impossible to forget. The friendly staff, and owner herself, will make you and your family feel like friends by the time you leave. The food is fresh and delicious with ample choices to appease even your pickiest eaters. After dining be sure to check out the artwork in the adjacent hallways.

The Short Course

Kid-friendly: Yes
To avoid wait: Anytime
Noise level: Moderate
Bathroom amenities: No changing station
High chairs? Yes
Got milk? No, but juice and lemonade are available
Kids’ menu? No, but anything on the menu can be modified
Food allergy concerns? Let the server know of all allergies before ordering. Pam is in charge of all special dietary need orders and uses new skillets, knives, etc. to prevent cross contamination.

Celebrating Life After Childhood Cancer

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Digital Media

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June 1, 2016

Ava Wegrzyn turns 4 on June 4, 2016. Yet, at this tender age, she has endured seemingly an entire lifetime, a remarkable journey of strength and courage against childhood cancer.

Her life will be forever changed by her struggle, but today she thrives with an intense love of life and the support of her family and the community. Ava’s mother, Jenny, shares this heart-wrenching perspective on her daughter’s unbelievable battle.

Something Was Very Wrong

Jenny Wegrzyn began to notice unusual symptoms in her youngest daughter, Ava, when she was about 15 months old. Out of nowhere, the toddler began waking up crying in middle of the night, developed a finicky appetite, and seemed to always run a low-grade fever. When Ava began to have “staring spell” seizures, where she would stare off for 30 seconds or so before snapping out of it, it was time to take action.

Blood-work indicated anemia, a condition where not enough healthy red blood cells are available to carry adequate oxygen to body tissue. Usually easy to correct with iron supplementation, Ava’s case was stubborn. A month later, with no change, Ava’s doctor made a startling discovery— a mass in her abdomen. Ultrasounds revealed a 10 cm tumor growing on her liver.

Ava was admitted to Toledo Children’s Hospital where Jenny spent a life-altering night in the hospital with Ava and her older daughter, Ellie, awaiting the results. It took all she had to remain strong for her girls. “I still remember the darkness, the smell of the room, the feeling of wanting to crumble to the floor because your world is falling apart. But, my two kids were there. You go into survival mode. It still feels surreal, like a hazy nightmare,” Jenny disclosed.

Ava’s doctors had to find different ways to administer chemotherapy treatments to the young patient.

A Diagnosis that Stopped Time

Doctors confirmed hepatoblastoma, a rare form of liver cancer that usually affects children under age 3, as the cause of Ava’s tumor. Within a week, the Wegrzyns were at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital under the care of Dr. James Geller. “We just wanted to do something. Every day that went by, this thing got bigger and took hold of her. As soon as we contacted Dr. Geller, he told us to come down that night to get admitted for further testing and a liver biopsy,” Jenny revealed.

Dr. Geller laid out the necessary course of action: They would proceed first with chemotherapy to shrink the tumor, and then operate to remove the affected portion of Ava’s liver. “Within a minute of beginning her first chemotherapy treatment, Ava had an anaphylactic reaction. Her oxygen levels dropped, she had a rash covering her body, and her heart rate increased. The chemo was stopped and Ava was stabilized. Dr. Geller came up with a way to desensitize her to the drug, administering what would normally be a two-hour infusion over the course of 10 hours.”

This time, everything went well. “It was all pretty overwhelming. You’re thrown into a world that you know nothing about. You quickly learn lots of things that you don’t want to learn, but it’s your kid and you do anything for them,” Jenny said.

Ava and her family celebrated and looked to the future.

The Fight of a Lifetime

Returning to Toledo, Ava completed two rounds of chemotherapy over six weeks, then travelled to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital for scans. By then, she had lost most of her hair. “That was hard because it’s just one more realization of what is going on; now it’s an external reminder. Everyone you come across knows what it means,” Jenny expressed. Dishearteningly, the tumor remained too large for surgery, and Ava was forced to endure two more rounds of chemo. “We wanted it out of her but we also wanted to give her the best chance of no reoccurrence.”

Finally, after four rounds of chemo, the tumor had shrunk to an operable size. Surgery to remove the tumor, along with the affected portion of the liver, was scheduled for June 2, 2014, just two days before Ava’s second birthday. Jenny and her husband, Ken, waited anxiously during the 13-hour operation.

“The surgery staff called hourly and gave us updates as to how things were going. Once they got in, they found that the tumor was more invasive than expected. They had to take about 70 percent of her liver. We felt so lucky that they were able to get it all out. If they had realized how much was compromised beforehand, they probably would have done a (liver) transplant,” Jenny confided.

Ava slept through the following night in the ICU. “I will never forget that image— she was intubated, on a ventilator, they had to restrain her hands, she had a central line in her neck and a port in her chest, a nasogastric tube, urinary catheter and a drain at the surgery site. My husband and I took turns sleeping next to her bed. She woke up the next morning and opened her eyes. I was holding her hand. She was scared (and) didn’t know what was going on. Tears were running down her face because she was still intubated, and she couldn’t talk.”

A healthy Ava with her mom, Jenny.

Cancer-free and Loving Life

“Slowly, over the next few days, the wires and tubes came off; by her second birthday Ava was allowed liquids. She got to have a Popsicle and I was able to hold her. After two weeks of recovery, she was a whole new kid. Once home she was talking and eating better, and was much happier,” Jenny enthused.

Not out of the woods, Ava endured two more rounds of “mop-up” chemo to eradicate any remaining cancerous cells. “The last round was the toughest round on her,” said Jenny. “We explained to Ava the bad stuff growing in her had to come out and that’s why we needed to keep going back.”

Ava’s chemotherapy treatment was finally complete on July 31, 2014. Ava has been cancer-free since, but she must be checked for recurrence on a regular basis. Maintenance for Ava consists of ultrasounds, chest X-rays, and labs at regular intervals. Jenny confides, “This is our life and we know there is always a possibility [that the cancer may return], but you can’t let it consume you. She’s a tough cookie. She knows what she needs to do and she does it.”

This spring, the family of four travelled to Disney World on a Make-A-Wish trip for Ava. “Ava loves her princesses— Belle is her favorite. My daughters have both been through so much, even Ellie, having to take a step back and not get the full attention that she deserves,” Jenny shared.

For more information about childhood
cancers including hepatoblastoma, visit the
American Childhood Cancer Organization at acco.org.

Tiffany Adamski Enhances K-12 Education

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Digital Media

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June 1, 2016

Witnessing the regularity with which students become bored in school, Tiffany Adamski decided to do something about it. She came from a family of educators, attended public school in Maumee, then went on to BGSU, before she began a teaching career. Despite her scholastic history, she always felt somewhat disenchanted with education.

“I was bored out of my mind in school,” Adamski said. “Then watching my own kids go through school, they were bored, and I said, ‘Wait a minute, this is just wrong.’”

That’ll teach someone

As a high school teacher, she fell in love with an alternative educational model and started designing schools herself. About a decade ago, she spent time developing an independent school model to pitch to charter school companies. After, Adamski continued teaching at the university level and received two master’s degrees.

She left academia to focus on a turnaround project for Central Academy of Ohio in Toledo (grades K-6). Next, Adamski worked with a group of private
investors to bring her school concepts to the Middle East in Amman, Jordan.

“(With) the Jordanian education (model), teachers have complete control and are talking all the time, and we wanted something a little different,” she explained. Adamski spent 71 days in Jordan to help them get their school off the ground. Her time was spent intensely concentrated on the project, as Jordan’s culture moves at a slower pace than in America.

“The people were so welcoming and excited to have an American school going in and giving their kids a leg up,” she said.

iLEAD integrates STEM education with the arts to help all ages develop creative, collaborative, critical and innovative thinking.

iLEAD comes to NW Ohio

While Adamski admits she found her dream job in teaching, she believes she discovered even more fulfilling work in January as regional director for iLEAD. With thanks to her efforts, the non-profit California-based educational company is set to launch its first Ohio location in Holland this fall. The tuition-free public charter school will serve K-8 with project-based learning that promotes collaboration, critical thinking and problem solving skills.

iLEAD and Adamski are building national partnerships with NASA, and local ones with the University of Toledo and the area Metroparks, to facilitate hands-on learning and to create career options for students.

“What really sets us apart is the way we set up and collaborate within our school buildings,” Adamski said. “There aren’t classroom walls, so if you walked in, you’d see all the learners in pods working in the room. There’s just a nice flow and hum that runs through these buildings.”

Toledo’s iLEAD will be the company’s 11th, including eight in Southern California and two online/homeschool offerings. Adamski said she’s also looking at an eventual high school location in downtown Toledo for next year.

“I jumped on board with (iLEAD) because I think this is the best thing I could be doing,” she said. “This is a chance to bring this learning model to my own backyard.”

For more information, visit ileadschools.org.

Baby & Maternity Guide 2016

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Digital Media

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June 1, 2016

Whether you’re pregnant, contemplating, or a new parent, your life is changing in a very big way. While you’re adapting to that bundle of joy, we remind you, dear reader, to take care of yourself. Want to know how to de-stress, get your body ready, or how to save money? Kick your feet up, sit back, and read our tips and tricks.

Call the midwife…

By Athena Cocoves

Interested in home birth? While most physicians will encourage hospital birth— with good reason— the practice of home birth represents about 2% of births in the developed world. Here are a few basic things to know:

There are two types of midwives: Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) and Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs).

CNMs are licensed and trained as a Registered Nurse and are certified by the American Midwifery Certification Board. CNM standards go far beyond those set by the International Confederation of Midwives including previous medical training and further specialized training in midwifery.

CPMs, formerly referred to as “lay midwives,” a CPM does not have direct medical training in midwifery. Instead, they have studied through apprenticeship or a class separate from medicine. A CPM’s accreditation is from North American Registry of Midwives, a professional organization for non-nurse midwives. A CPM credential, recognized in 28 states, is not recognized in Ohio.

What’s a doula?

Referred to as “birthing coaches” or “childbirth assistants,” doulas are not midwives, yet they assist with birth. Doulas help before, after, and during labor, providing assistance and serving as a go-between for the doctor, nurses and family. There is no formal or universal certification for doulas. However, there are classes, courses, and certifications that doulas can apply for to signify their training.

Stressed Out?

For any parent, a newborn is a great deal of stress. Psychiatrist, Dr. Victoria Kelly, gave a few pointers on how to overcome daily emotions

Remember to breathe. Take slow, deep breaths, relaxing your body is very important.
Make time for yourself. Doing something nice for yourself will help relieve stress.
Don’t take on too much. Don’t overload your schedule.
Find your phrase. Create a mantra to help you focus your thoughts.
Get enough sleep. Insomnia is one of the biggest triggers for baby blues and depression.
Eat. “A lot of women may feel pressured to lose weight after giving birth, but take care of yourself; eat healthy and appropriately.”
Ask for help. “Don’t attempt to be a supermom… It takes a village to raise a child.”

Getting the body baby-ready

By Heidi Borst

While it is certainly a miracle, pregnancy takes a toll on the body. Get your body ready for the amazing change with chiropractic care, massages and exercise.

Dr. Bryan Royer says chiropractic care helps a woman’s body through the changes.

Chiropractic care during pregnancy

A woman’s body undergoes many changes during pregnancy to prepare for labor, including decreased joint stability, weight gain, and postural changes (a protruding abdomen and increased curve to the spine). According to Dr. Brian Royer of Harmony Chiropractic, “Chiropractic care can help with low back pain, neck pain and headaches. Often, women will come in at 5-6 months in a good deal of pain and are shocked that they feel so much better [throughout the third trimester] because they received chiropractic care.”

A more comfortable pregnancy and labor

When pregnant, a woman’s body produces the hormone relaxin, which causes the joints to be looser and may contribute to lower back pain. Regular chiropractic adjustment can decrease a woman’s pain during pregnancy, and even in the midst of labor.

Prenatal massage

Pregnancy is the perfect reason to invest in massage therapy. Prenatal massage decreases stress and alleviates common discomforts experienced by expectant mothers, such as back and neck pain, fluid retention, leg cramps, and even insomnia.

Anna Bremer, co-owner of Massage Bliss, describes the process: “Through use of side-lying and semi-reclining positions, the massage practitioner can address any problematic muscle groups in the mother’s back, legs, arms, abdomen, etc.”

Experience not necessary for prenatal classes, says Erin Betz, of Tonic Maumee.

Prenatal yoga: Mama say, “OM!”

Prenatal yoga, a workout for women during pregnancy, is a slower-paced session focusing on the connection between a woman and her developing baby. Practice often results in improved sleep, flexibility, and endurance; expecting mothers will learn tools to stay focused and calm during labor.

Yoga instructor Erin Betz of Tonic Maumee, assures no previous yoga experience is necessary, “The gentle flowing class [at Tonic Maumee] focuses on yoga postures, breathing exercises and relaxation techniques to ease the physical, emotional, and mental demands of pregnancy.”

“Baby Blues” or something more?

By Emily Remaklus and Heidi Borst

Having a newborn is an exciting time for parents and family, but what if your feelings after delivery are unexpected? Although welcoming a baby is a joyous occasion, birth is also very stressful. Dr. Victoria Kelly explains the importance and seriousness of postpartum depression.

Motherhood’s responsibilities don’t need to cause stress, says Dr. Victoria Kelly, a psychiatrist with a special interest in women’s health issues.

Baby Blues vs. Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression is often confused with postpartum blues or “the baby blues,” a feeling of sadness that can affect the mother within 7-10 days of delivery. Postpartum blues gradually lessen and by three months the symptoms should be gone, while postpartum depression is more severe with symptoms of loss of interest and appetite, inability to sleep, and in some serious cases could lead to thoughts of hurting oneself, others, or even the baby.

Dr. Kelly explained, “It’s very common for a brand new mom to have self doubt, but if they are unable to get past questioning themselves and are unable to make a decision due to anxiety, that can be an indicator of postpartum depression.” If a mother is having thoughts of hurting herself or others, she should go to the Emergency Room right away.

If a mother is suffering from postpartum indicators or the baby blues, she should reach out to family and let them know she is struggling. OB-GYN doctors are very willing to help. Dr. Kelly explains, “Don’t be afraid of treatment. It can absolutely improve your life and the bond you have with your child.”

Placenta capsules: A cure for the Baby Blues?

Up to 80% of new mothers experience the “baby blues.” One way to fight the baby blues is placenta encapsulation, which is the process of drying out the placenta and turning it into digestible capsules. This preventive measure is offered by Branch of Life, LLC. Owner Danielle Garcia tried placenta capsules after the birth of her second child and was amazed by the results, prompting her to start her own company offering encapsulation. “They are referred to as happy pills, and that’s no joke! I had a lot more energy, less anxiety, and just felt really good in general.”

Danielle Garcia used placenta capsules with good results.

Although scientific research is lacking, consuming the placenta is an age-old practice. Garcia explains, “The main purpose is to help balance out the drastic fluctuations in hormones… combat fatigue, and the baby blues.”

For more information, call 419-260-0374 |
visit placentaencapsulationtoledo.com | or email [email protected]

Eating right… from the start

By Emily Remaklus

Erika Buri, mother of one, has been making homemade baby food for the last six months. “My husband and I try to be as environmentally conscious as possible, paying attention to how we eat and where it comes from.” So when it came to their daughter, they wanted to do the same.

Erika explained that since she works during the week, she spends about an hour and a half on Sundays preparing the baby food. To make the food, Erika uses a three cup food processor and cooked fruits and vegetables. One of her daughter’s favorite combinations is peaches, pears, and avocado puree.

When it comes to storing, Erika suggested 4-oz jelly jars and ice cube trays. Not only are they reusable and environmentally friendly, but they easily fit in a standard freezer which makes it convenient for busy moms and dads who need to prepare a meal quickly.

For those interested in organic food, there are some great cost benefits to making baby food. Erika explained that the difference between a week’s worth of organic and conventional produce is only about $1, whereas the difference between organic and conventional store bought baby food is close to $15.

“Farmers markets are also a great source of produce,” she offered. Many farmers grow their food organically and are very willing to explain their methods.

8 Quick Tips for New Dads

By Denise Morrison Yearian

After the birth, new moms and babies get most of the attention, but it’s a time of rapid change for dads, too. The following tips will help first-time fathers adjust to having a new baby in the house.

1. Be hands on. Get involved in all aspects of child care— bathing, feeding, reading, changing diapers and putting your baby to sleep. If the new dad needs a little coaching, give him the basics then allow him to develop his own style. Remember, experience is the best teacher. Don’t criticize; offer encouragement to help him feel competent in his new role.

2. Recognize challenges. Some babies, such as those with colic, may be harder to soothe. If your baby is crying, look for obvious signs of discomfort— diaper change, hunger, fatigue or gas. Spend five to ten minutes on any one strategy. If it doesn’t work, try another one. Newborns can also suffer from over stimulation due to lights, motion, sounds and people— things that may seem normal are a drastic change from a quiet womb.

3. Communicate with outsiders. Take on the role of communicating with family and friends, setting limits and boundaries, if needed. If others offer to help, suggest practical ideas such as dropping off meals, running errands or watching the baby so you and your partner can take a walk. Extended family can be a huge help or significant stressor. Encourage well-meaning but intruding relatives to refrain from giving unwanted input with regard to childcare.

4. Be supportive of Mom. One of the father’s biggest roles is to support the mother. Keep a constant line of communication open with one another and discuss how the adjustment is going. Talk about things that are and are not working, and make suggestions for change. Also, keep an eye out for signs of postpartum depression, which may have a delayed onset.

5. Find personal support. New dads may need an outlet where they can share their own concerns or stresses. Find a father support group or look for a friend who is or has gone through this stage in life. Also be aware of your emotions. If you feel anxious or depressed for an extended period of time, talk with your physician.

6. Nurture the couple relationship. This will benefit the parents and child. Schedule occasional date nights, or look for creative ways to give the relationship attention— back or foot rubs, an encouraging note left in a conspicuous place, a quick email sent to the office. Couples’ communication should include more than just baby talk. Also make time for intimacy; be sensitive to each other’s needs and work together to find a compromise.

7. Create space for self. While it may be impossible to maintain the before-baby lifestyle, determine what is most critical for each parent to relieve stress— sleep, exercise, time out of the house— and work that into the week.

8. Give it time. The more time fathers spend with their baby, the easier it will get. Right now things aren’t normal, but life will take on a new normalcy in time.

Denise Morrison Yearian is the former editor of two parenting magazines
and the mother of three children and four grandchildren.