Step with me into the shadows of history and architecture as we embark on a haunting journey to unravel the mysteries surrounding the legendary Ghost of Notre Dame. No, not the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris where the infamous hunchback and monstrous gargoyles, silent witnesses to the supernatural, could be found, but rather the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana.

The hushed discussions about this prestigious school with high academic standards and rigorous programs were a grown-up conversation often heard after we were sent to bed.

Being a grandparent is a rewarding and cherished role. It's a chance to build strong connections with your grandchildren, watch them grow, and offer unconditional love and support. At least that's what "they" say.

However, "they" don't tell you how to accomplish that when distance separates you. Being a long-distance grandma, building a solid connection, watching them grow, and just "being there" can be challenging. How can you be a part of their daily lives, be there for the special moments, and develop a connection when you are miles away?

Once upon a time, in the quaint hamlet of North Chicago, nestled between the Great Lakes Naval Training Center and the state line of Wisconsin, there lived five young girls. They were known for their strong work ethic, kind hearts, and insatiable curiosities. Their days were spent working in the family business based in the heart of the hamlet. The family business began in the early 1900s, and their great-grandmother purchased the land alone long before women's lib became a thing.

Where does your story begin?

As a child, I learned the importance of sticking to my beliefs. Despite my dad's attempts to convince me that it was okay for different foods on my plate to touch each other, I stood my ground and stuck to my personal preferences. This experience taught me to trust my instincts and not be swayed by others' opinions.

No, it's not a game where players embark on a magical journey to help mice reach new heights by navigating a whimsical world filled with Jacob's Ladders and enchanted eyeballs. Nor is it a new Artificial Intelligent robot.

They are science fair experiments.

Science Fairs…this yearly event caused excitement, enthusiasm, dread, and everything. Once announced, the questions started swirling.

In our family, the intertwining of religious beliefs and cherished traditions plays a significant role in shaping our experiences and outlook on life. Rooted in Catholicism, our faith guides us in both the every day and the extraordinary moments of our lives.

Move over Picasso, Rembrandt, and Jackson Pollack. The next "master" of the arts is me…not.

As an adult, I learned to appreciate art, the lines, the strokes, the shading, and the visual stories that an artist tells, but let me take you back in time to how it was determined that my calling was not the world of paintbrushes and canvas.

I had an epiphany last night and had to share! I think handwritten letters are like warm hugs on paper, carrying the personal touch that emails can never quite capture. What do you think?

Hear me out. I am guessing that you and I live in the same fast-paced digital world. I have always been a communicator, but my communication, which used to be slower-paced, has morphed into mostly texting and social media posts. In this modern era of smartphones, laptops, and iPads, letter writing may seem obsolete.