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Inspiration

The Last Vermonter in Beirut

I'm not sure if he knew it, but this American gentleman saved the lives of many young people in Beirut, including mine.

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3 Companies That Are Carving Space for Adults on the Autism Spectrum

There are a few up-and-coming companies that gear themselves to the needs of autistic adults.

Inspiration elf on a shelf

Why Elf on the Shelf is Worth the Hassle

The beauty of the Elf is that he's instilling a sense of tradition and offering an opportunity for many families to bond over something during the holidays.

Inspiration two kids in a shopping cart with a woman pushing the cart

Angels Do Exist (at the Grocery Store)

We made eye contact and exchanged a smile. She didn’t have to mention she was a mom. I knew the moment I saw her that she really saw me.

Inspiration boy playing with rubber duckies in bathtub

6 Ways to Find Happiness and Survive the Shortest Days of the Year

A few ways to still enjoy evening family time, get some exercise, and forget our its-dark-way-too-early-blues.

Inspiration santa clause

Santa Cares: A Holiday Life Saver for Parents of Kids With Special Needs

We got in line early for Santa. We decided to try him out again, this time in a comfortable and familiar environment: the nursery school Christmas party. Our daughter knew everyone in line, and alt...

Inspiration spider on a cobb web

For Lilly, the Spider

A spider has woven a web in the space between the open kitchen window and the screen that we have yet to take down for winter. Fall in upstate New York. The evenings are frosty. It is a good place ...

Inspiration woman writing in a book

A Shared Journal, an MRI, and Perspective

I wanted to remember how good my life was since I was stuck in a loop of anxiety with never-ending needs surrounding me. This journal could help me do that.

Inspiration girl at kitchen table drinking tea

Generations of Tea Remembrances

As I watch my daughter drink tea with her daughter, I’m grateful that this tea ritual I learned from my mother is passed on to my daughter to make her own.

Inspiration close up of hand holing a baby foot

What a NICU Moms' Support Group Taught Me About Fearlessness

I was about to cavalierly flaunt her health and my good fortune in their faces. The New Moms’ Support Group was soon to find out I was a fear-fraud.

Inspiration family putting a paper bag with fire it it bag floats away

Christmas Traditions From Around the World That Could Create a New Family Tradition

If you are looking for new activities to celebrate the holiday season, consider these fun and unique ideas from countries around the globe.

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The Longview Lesson Kids Can Learn From Being Bullied

The first time I heard, “Hey, Buzzard!” I was 12. As I watched my own kids grow up, having been Buzzard for a few summers did me some favors.

Inspiration three boys in the woods looking at the ground

 Gratitude in the Midst of Small-Moment Lives

What if the quiet moments are worth every bit as much as the loud moments performed before the multitudes?

Inspiration row of stuffed toys

13 Fabulous Gifts that Give Back

These unique, well-made gifts are all from awesome companies that give to charity with each purchase.

Inspiration mom and child sitting in a hammock

Letter to My Daughter's Oncology Team After She Died

Dear Team Thank you all for your dedication, compassion, and remarkable persistence in managing Ana’s complex disease over the last four years. Jim and I are truly grateful for the care Ana receive...

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Subscription Boxes: the Gift That Keeps on Giving

We’ve rounded up 12 of the best subscriptions with something for everyone … even the family dog!

Inspiration boy dressing himself

Stop Doing Everything for Your Kids and Set Them on the Path to Independence

Over-parenting and prolonged childhood are an epidemic in this country and it's not benefitting anyone.

Inspiration woman closing her eyes

Stand on My Shoulders, Baby Girl

Dear Maria: Oh (wo)man, are you coming of age in an interesting time. Never have we as women been able to accomplish more. You and me together watched a woman run for president, and I saw on your f...

Inspiration Reflection of a lady washing dishes

Always Do the Dishes

My mom carefully molded these Thanksgiving memories for us, but we took her for granted. Her spoiled kids could never reciprocate that love until adulthood.

Inspiration young girl sticking out her tongue and pulling her ears

Empowering Your Daughter Includes Fostering Her Sense of Humor

Even if our girls haven’t encountered it yet, studies show there is still a gender bias when it comes to humor.

Inspiration Smiling little girl talking with brother at breakfast at home

The Simple Question That Brings Our Family Closer Every Single Night

Whether we find ourselves happy to be at that table, or barely able to look each other in the eye, at some point someone asks this question.

Inspiration Rear view of confused young woman looking at shoes displayed on shelves

All Ninety-Six Pairs of My Mother's Shoes

When we got to Grandma’s shoes, my mother told me for the first time of a tradition. I was told Jews do not wear the shoes of dead people.

Inspiration happy lady holding huge healthy burger

This Instagram Superstar Has a Cure for the Bake Sale Blahs

Want to add some snap, crackle, and pop-culture to your bake sale repertoire? Jessica Siskin, Instagram's @Misterkrisp can show you how.

Inspiration boys reading book under blanket with a torch light

Awesome Gifts to Bundle With Super Cool Books

Check out these suggestions for pairing great books with add-ons at every price point.