

The Promise to Never Forget
Is it possible to be selfless again? America came together back in 2001 because there wasn’t social media offering up the latest conspiracy theory, spreading false information, and providing annoying clickbait or ignorant memes. We’re mad the Tribute in Light is being displayed in a different way this year – we feel we’re forgetting those who lost their lives so selflessly years ago, but we … Continue reading The Promise to Never Forget

Bunion Surgery: Parts 4 & 5
I nervously crutched into the doctor’s office, afraid they would be mad at me for not being able to walk yet. I was told we needed to get weight-bearing X-rays. Kind of hard to do when you can’t stand or walk, but I gave it my best shot. After taking my boot off and unwrapping my foot, I crutched up the not very sturdy wooden … Continue reading Bunion Surgery: Parts 4 & 5

Bunion Surgery: Part 3
DISCLAIMER: Some readers may find the following pictures disturbing. Please be advised there are images of my foot post-surgery and during the healing process. The first two weeks post-op and non-weight-bearing were pretty rough. I was in a lot more pain than I ever imagined I’d be. I was over getting my hair washed outside or in the sink or on the edge of the … Continue reading Bunion Surgery: Part 3

Bunion Surgery: Part 2
I had to be at the surgery center at 6:15 a.m. Friday, May 15. I was to be dropped off at the north entrance and no one was allowed to come in with me. It was a strange feeling and I can’t imagine what it’s like for people going in for more serious procedures. I walked in with my mask on, had my temperature checked … Continue reading Bunion Surgery: Part 2

Bunion Surgery: Part 1
Bunion: an inflamed swelling of the first joint of the big toe accompanied by enlargement and protrusion of the joint. Also known as hallux valgus, it is a deformity of the joint connecting the big toe to the foot. The big toe often bends toward the other toes and the joint becomes red and painful. I recently learned some people don’t know what a bunion … Continue reading Bunion Surgery: Part 1

Let’s go Back to Being Good People
This pandemic has brought out the nastiest side of people and quite frankly, I’m appalled at the things people are saying and doing. What happened to not saying anything if you don’t have something nice to say? What happened to spreading kindness and joy and love? I’m challenging all of you, myself included, to state what you are thankful for, what you are grateful for, … Continue reading Let’s go Back to Being Good People

Fish Fry Finale
During the global pandemic caused by COVID-19, the Norvelt VFD and Ladies Auxiliary put an abrupt stop to the Lenten Fish Fry season due to the safety of our volunteers and supporters. Our biggest fundraiser of the year. Stopped. Not even halfway through the season. No fundraisers. The club is closed. The hall stopped having events. Members of the fire department and ladies auxiliary were … Continue reading Fish Fry Finale

May the Fourth be With You
I’ve been a Star Wars fan for as long as I can remember thanks to growing up with my brothers, dad and uncles watching it. I remember wearing my hair in Princess Leia buns to see one of the movies in theater for a field trip in middle school. Princess Leia was always my favorite. But then Rey came along. She’s so cool – intelligent, … Continue reading May the Fourth be With You

Distraught Over Disney
I know to some it may seem silly to be distraught over Disney being closed. But when life gets too stressful or thing aren’t going my way, I’ve always had Disney to turn to. Even if I wasn’t physically in the parks, I knew others were there and magic was being created, shared, felt and passed along. We all have childish things we turn to … Continue reading Distraught Over Disney

Quarantine Thoughts During a Global Pandemic
Now is the time I wish I had the words – the magic words that would make everyone’s fear, anxiety and worry go away. But unfortunately that’s not how it works. I keep thinking of hope. A word, feeling and emotion that I’ve clung to heavily since high school. When all seems lost, hope is the thing that keeps us going. Hope is there for … Continue reading Quarantine Thoughts During a Global Pandemic