Jodi Rae

One simple act can change the course of a family in minutes: A death.... then a shift. That one day, when something changes. You realize you are now part of the oldest generation of your family. There are no more parents or grandparents ahead of you. I am now one of the matriarchs of my family. What was normal for me growing up made me assume that the next generation would naturally do what I did. I thought family traditions, expectations, and the way we showed up for one another would...

January, February and March, felt like proof to me that my life was headed where I wanted it to go. I felt confident in my choices Hope was in my heart Life felt full of possibilities and I was taking them I could see it... My new place A yard Rooms for my girls when they came to visit New flower gardens to plant and enjoy Unpacking my belongings from a year in storage and being excited with each box. I felt confident at work Building a team that was kind, supportive, and showing up for each...

I am sitting in the ER with my dad. This is our third visit trying to figure out what’s going on. I want to be clear. This isn’t a negative reflection on healthcare workers. Every person we’ve encountered has been personable, caring, and kind. My dad usually goes through the VA, and his primary care is there. But right now, the VA can’t provide some of the services he needs quickly enough, so the ER becomes the option unless you want to wait… and sometimes waiting just isn’t something you can...