Reflections

Stories of family, faith, loss, and the things I’m still learning. Read a reflection, or listen and take it at your own pace.

Finding Peace in the Shadows: A Reflection on Life, Loss, and the Unspoken ‘Thank You’

"Shadows of Sobriety" reflects on healing, gratitude, and unspoken words, honoring the people and moments that shaped a life.

One in Five: Breaking the Silence, Telling Our Stories

I wrote Shadows of Sobriety: A Journey of Self-Discovery and Healing a Family Legacy for the one in five Americans who grew up with an alcoholic parent.

The Silent Weight of Valor: Uncovering My Father’s World War II Medals and Our Unspoken Battles

My father’s WWII medals symbolized his bravery, but also the emotional distance between us. Despite his sacrifices, our relationship remained distant, leaving me to reconcile the man behind the medals.

The Human Salvage Factory: Confronting My Father’s Demons and the Shadows They Left Behind

Timberlawn, where my father sought treatment for alcoholism, exposed the hidden scars of addiction in our family. My memoir reflects on those struggles, uncovering a journey of healing, forgiveness, and resilience.

Healing, Truth, and Finding Peace with My Siblings by Stepping Off the Stage

The journey reflects confronting family truths, breaking free from roles shaped by survival, and embracing healing, reconciliation, and lasting peace.

Revisiting the Burton Homestead – A Journey Through Shadows and Light

"Shadows of Sobriety" reflects on breaking cycles, finding grace, and healing through family legacies, symbolized by the Burton homestead—a place where the past meets redemption and peace.

God's Faithfulness in Suffering: A Journey of Healing and Redemption

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33, NIV)

If something here feels familiar, you’re welcome to stay awhile.

Read a passage. Listen to a story. Or spend some time with the book that brought these memories into the light.