Category: Uncategorized

When I was in 5th grade, I faced a lot of bullying, but one day in the gym changed something inside me forever.

I had finally gathered the courage to speak up. My heart was pounding, but I told him—told everyone—that he was mean and that I just wanted him to leave me alone. I thought maybe my voice would matter, that maybe if I stood up for myself, it would stop.

But it didn’t.

Instead, he turned to me with this look—one I’ll never forget. Before I could react, he shoved me to the ground. The impact knocked the breath out of me, and before I could even sit up, the first kick landed. Then another. And another. Each one harder than the last, each one drilling into me that I was small, weak, nothing. I wanted to fight back, to scream, but I couldn’t. I just lay there, frozen, humiliated, wondering how something so cruel could be happening to me while the world kept moving around me.

I remember the cold, hard gym floor beneath me. The muffled sounds of laughter, of footsteps, of life going on as if I wasn’t lying there, hurting. But the worst part wasn’t the pain. It wasn’t even the humiliation. It was the silence. No one stopped him. No one helped me.

That moment carved itself into my mind, a wound that never fully healed. The bruises faded, but the feeling of helplessness never did. Even now, I sometimes hear the echoes of that day, reminding me of what it felt like to be powerless, to be alone. And no matter how much time passes, I still wonder—why did no one stop him?

My dad has always been my hero. Not just because of what he taught me but how he made me feel—loved, included, and important. From the time I was little, he brought me into his world. I remember the thrill of riding on the lawnmower with him, feeling like I was part of something bigger. If he was in the shop, I was there too—first just playing with tools, then learning how to use them, building skills, confidence, and independence.

He wasn’t just a provider; he was present. The kind of dad who’d take me out for fish fries and buffet dinners, not just for the food but for the company. Every moment with him was a lesson, even if I didn’t realize it then. He showed me what it meant to be fiercely loyal, to love my children well, and to make choices with integrity.

As I’ve grown older, his role in my life hasn’t diminished—it’s evolved. Our conversations are deeper and filled with wisdom and understanding, and I cherish them more than ever. He has been my steady guide, my biggest supporter, and the greatest example of love through every stage of my life. I am forever grateful for him.

Dogs come in all shapes and sizes—big or small, loud or quiet. If you’re searching for the perfect one, trust me, it’s out there waiting for you. As for us? We have four. Yes, four dogs. Some might call it madness, but we call it love—wrapped in a little bit of chaos.

Our youngest, Penny, is a miniature Australian Shepherd and an absolute whirlwind. She’s the little sister who never stops, always stirring up trouble, convinced she’s the boss (even though she’s definitely not). She steals food, toys, and anything that catches her eye. And the walls? Oh, she chews on them. The same two spots, over and over, no matter how many times my husband patches them up. But for all her mischief, she’s the biggest cuddler. If you’re too focused on your phone, she’ll make sure you put it down—because Penny demands love on her terms. She’s a troublemaker, but she’s ours, and we adore her.

Then there’s Piper, our pit bull mix, the heart of our home. She loves fiercely, protects even harder, and plays with the same toy over and over like it’s her job. Penny pushes her buttons, starting fights she never should, but Piper is patient—until she isn’t. Walking her with the others can be a challenge because she wants to keep them all safe. She feels deeply, loves deeply, and somehow always knows when we need her most.

Lady Bird is our quiet soul, the wise, old girl who prefers to just be. She’s our Eeyore, content to lounge around, soaking up affection and watching the world go by. She doesn’t demand much—just love and a soft place to rest.

And then there’s Missy. Our oldest, our funniest, our most charming. She doesn’t just bark—she greets us with a loud “hello” when we get back from an outing. She’s my shadow, always nearby, but her love extends to everyone in our family.

Despite the occasional Piper and Penny showdown, they all fit together perfectly, a messy, loving, four-dog family. Each one brings something unique, filling our home with warmth, laughter, and just the right amount of chaos. They’ve each claimed their place—not just in our house, but in our hearts forever.

Penny