The word pandemic conjures up a host of overwhelming thoughts and feelings. The idea that a virus could be so enormous, so powerful, that it would pose a global threat is something only imagined in movies and sci-fi novels ... until now. While history shows us that numerous parts of the world previously suffered life-threatening and life-taking viruses, this is the first time in this … [Read more...]
Coronavirus: What to tell the children
One thing to ponder while sharing information about catastrophes such as the Covid-19 outbreak with children: How much is too much to discuss? And how much is too little? Children are sponges, dependent by nature on caregivers for survival as well as their overall psychological and emotional well-being. They absorb whatever is shared with them, processing it unfiltered to varying degrees, … [Read more...]
A modern-day Children’s Crusade
In the year 1212, a crusade of more than 30,000 Christian children led by 12-year-old Stephen of Cloyes and young shepherd Nicholas sought to regain the Holy Land from the Muslims. The children's mission was to "peacefully" convert Muslims while securing Christians' right to the Holy Grail and Jerusalem. They were sent by the priests, backed by parents and the village communities of Northern … [Read more...]
The myth of connection
How often these days are you stuck in traffic, waiting in a store or sitting in a restaurant and you reach for your smartphone. Not out of need, but simply out of habit. Those addictive little devices that fit oh-so snugly in the palms of our hands. They have such a hold over us that opportunities for chance meetings, conversations and loving gazes are utterly missed. Instead, the enigmatic … [Read more...]
The Day of the Dead: Come celebrate
The Day of the Dead is just that -- a holiday on which deceased family and friends are remembered and celebrated. In Mexico, "Día de los Muertos" is taken so seriously that it ranks as a national holiday. Nothing creepy about the Day of the Dead, even though it occurs right after Halloween. Friendly sugar skulls and bright yellow marigolds play a big part in this celebration of life. The … [Read more...]