There is something remarkable about a nation reaching its 250th birthday. Through triumphs and tragedies, moments of great courage and moments we would rather forget, America is still here. That alone is worth acknowledging. Generations before us dreamed, struggled, sacrificed, and sometimes gave everything they had so that the next generation might inherit something better. […]
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There are organizations that quietly go about changing the world without asking for recognition. One of those organizations, at least in my opinion, is the Search Dog Foundation. I have followed this remarkable nonprofit for many years. Every time a devastating earthquake, hurricane, wildfire, or other disaster strikes somewhere in the world, I find myself
When Hope Has Four Paws Read More »
Yesterday, June 24, 2026, it seemed as though the Earth was speaking all at once. A magnitude 5.6 earthquake shook Northern California. Later, two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 struck Venezuela less than a minute apart, causing widespread destruction. Not long afterward, a magnitude 6.9 earthquake occurred off the coast of northern Japan. For
When the Earth Speaks in Different Languages Read More »
This Friday, June 26, is National Take Your Dog to Work Day, and for millions of dog lovers, it’s a fun opportunity to introduce their four-legged companions to coworkers and hopefully brighten everyone’s day. What many people don’t know is that the celebration has a much deeper purpose. National Take Your Dog to Work Day
National Take Your Dog to Work Day… Every Day is Bear’s Workday Read More »
Father’s Day allows us to pause and recognize the men who have helped shape our lives. It is a day filled with cards, phone calls, family gatherings, and expressions of gratitude. But much like Mother’s Day, I find myself thinking beyond the holiday itself and reflecting on this central truth: fathers matter every day of
Honoring Fathers Every Day Read More »
Juneteenth reminds us that freedom grows strongest when we recognize the dignity and humanity in one another. The journey continues. Illustration created with the help of ChatGPT, inspired by the values of unity, empathy, and shared humanity.*** Every year on June 19th, Americans observe Juneteenth, the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Texas finally learned
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On Thursday, I stood in my backyard watching a massive plume of smoke rise above Tracy from a warehouse fire, and days later, firefighters are still trying to put it out. Thankfully, the wind has been blowing away from our neighborhood, but the sight was impossible to ignore. My thoughts immediately turned to the employees
When an Ordinary Day Becomes an Emergency Read More »
Image Credit: Illustration created with the assistance of ChatGPT to accompany my personal reflection on Pope Leo. This image is an artistic interpretation and not an official photograph.I was not raised Catholic. My father was Catholic, and my mother was raised in the Christian Science faith. After they married, my mother converted to Catholicism, but
Inspiring People: Pope Leo XIV Read More »
Some life lessons arrive gently, and others land with enough force to change the way we think forever. My sweet Teddy taught me one of those lessons. When Teddy became ill, I found myself traveling a road I had never expected to travel. Like many pet parents, I believed I was prepared. I had always provided
A Lesson Teddy Taught Me Read More »
There are seasons in life when simply getting through the day feels like enough. The past several months have certainly felt that way for my family. Between back-to-back health issues, medical appointments, unexpected tests, and the heartbreaking loss of Teddy, life has demanded a great deal of attention and energy. While I have been focused
Growing More Than Vegetables Read More »
