I love Memorial Day. To me it’s the unofficial start to summer, the gateway to backyard barbecues. While the day holds deep significance as a time to honor those who served and sacrificed for the country, it has also transformed into the uncovering of the BBQ grills where overcooked hot dogs are roasted, and that one mysterious Jell-O mold is dusted off and wiggles its way to the picnic tables.

One special day meant everything to my mom: Mother’s Day. It was her day, a time for her to be celebrated once a year. She always made sure to spend that day with her family. Even though I was a mom too, it was her moment to shine. In my world, Mother’s Day was usually spent on the soccer field. One thoughtful coach acknowledged mothers' sacrifices to be there for the game and throughout the year. He honored us by giving each player a rose. The boys would run across the field with a flower in hand, not only for their moms but also for their grandmothers. This is a cherished memory of a rose, particularly because it was my mom’s flower.

Mother's Day can be one of the most emotional days for those who have lost their mother. While others celebrate with hugs and gifts, you may navigate a wave of grief and remembrance. However, this day can also serve as an opportunity to celebrate your mother’s life, her legacy, and the love she gave. Honoring her memory can be a beautiful and healing way to keep her spirit alive. Although it has now been ten years since she passed away, I decided to share some unique ways to memorialize the mothers we have lost but not forgotten.

Easter is a time of faith, renewal, and cherished family traditions. For my family, it's more than just a holiday—a beautiful blend of spiritual reflection, joyous celebrations, and a touch of friendly competition! From the Polish Catholic tradition of blessing Easter baskets to our long-standing Easter egg hunt (yes, even for my grown children!) and our beloved Lamb Cake competition, Easter in our home is a time of laughter, love, and meaningful moments.

Let me tell you something—back in the '80s, I was raising a kid, holding down a full-time job, and still managing diaper duty, dinner (okay, mostly reheated), and everything in between. I didn’t have a parenting app or a social media guru showing me the ropes. Gourmet meals? Please. The microwave was my best friend, and the local takeout spot knew me by name. And through it all, I rocked shoulder pads like a boss and prayed my Farrah Fawcett perm held.

A Campus Visit Turned Time Capsule

On a recent trip, we made a stop to see a family friend at the University of Virginia. The tour, of course, included the iconic Rotunda. Although we viewed it from a distance, we had never entered the historic structure until now. A hush fell over everyone as we peeked at the boardrooms and cozy study spaces.

Libraries Reimagined: From Research Havens to Sleek Study Hubs

As we continued the tour, we visited the popular study spots, the libraries. No longer cluttered with stacks of books to check out, the books were instead displayed behind locked, ornate cabinets. As I passed the wooden card catalogs, I questioned why they were still there. However, when I tried to open one, I realized that it was for display purposes only. Our freshman tour guide said, “Yeah, what are those for anyway?”

As a future grandparent, I often advise families with young kids: don’t blink. Time flies, and the moments you take for granted will be missed. For example, our youngest son was selected for a traveling soccer team when he was seven years old. All the after-school practices and traveling around the country for tournaments were taxing on our family, not to mention the costs for airfare, hotels, and countless soccer shoes worn out not just from growth spurts but from the wear and tear of the game. Family vacations during spring break became a thing of the past because of these tournaments.

When I was growing up, Easter was one of my favorite times. We created bright Easter baskets for our family business to sell, filling them with sweet treats like chocolate bunnies, peeps, and colorful jellybeans. Additionally, we had delightful Easter egg hunts, searching for plastic eggs brimming with even more delicious candies. These sugar-filled traditions may have caused a cavity or two.

Although Easter egg hunts are a beloved tradition, why not add an educational and meaningful spin to this year’s festivities? By incorporating elements of magic, learning, and teamwork, you can create an Easter egg hunt that is not only fun but also enriching. Here are four unique twists on the classic egg hunt that will encourage learning through play.

The year was 1909, and thirteen-year-old Edward McLaughlin clutched his mother's hand as they walked through the crowded streets of Belfast on St. Patrick's Day. As the church bells chimed, Edward joined the procession through the village. They marched solemnly, reciting ancient Gaelic prayers and singing hymns in honor of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. On their walk home, Edward's father shared tales of leprechauns and mythical creatures that danced beneath the moonlit skies. The air smelled of fresh bread and damp cobblestones, and the sound of fiddles and tin whistles was heard from nearby pubs. It was a bittersweet day—soon, Edward and his family would board a ship for America, leaving behind the only home they had ever known. But for now, they celebrated. His father pinned a fresh shamrock to his coat, symbolizing their Irish pride. After Mass, they shared a simple meal of soda bread and lamb stew that evening, singing songs of the old country late into the night.