Here’s the thing with me — I don’t really like shopping. *Gasp* It’s shocking, I know. I’m easily overwhelmed by choices or by the number of people packed in one place. If I already know what I want to get, shopping online is great! But if I’m just browsing, I just end up clicking around forever. So when birthdays and holidays come up, I get a little stressed out. I’ve been trying to find a system that will help me show people I care — without overspending on a gift they never use.
A Reflection On Anticipation
Melissa Gosselin
As I write this post by the window, snowflakes are falling behind me. Yes, you read that correctly — snow! After all my posts about spring being just around the corner! So it got me thinking about an emotion: anticipation. I don’t know about you, but it doesn’t really matter if I’m anticipating something positive or negative . . . the emotion itself is uncomfortable.
Easter Reflection: On Building Community
Melissa Gosselin
A couple of days ago, family friends invited us to spend Easter with them. Before the invite, I hadn’t even thought about how our small family would celebrate, so it warmed my heart that people were thinking of us. It also got me thinking about how people build communities.
A Story About Brothers and Sisters
Melissa Gosselin
My brother Jon and I were never the kinds of siblings who tattled on each other. We were a team (for the most part). We had the same friends — kids of varying ages who lived in our neighborhood — so we played together a lot.
A Story About a Mother's Love
Melissa Gosselin
It was the beginning of April. The snow had almost completely melted. The world was coming alive around me. There were buds on the trees and the air smelled dewy (if you know what I mean). I had these pink rubber boots I loved that I hadn’t had the opportunity to wear.
A Father's Parable of Resilience
Melissa Gosselin
My wife and I thought having fish would be a good way to teach our kids responsibility. We used to have about fourteen. Every night—conveniently right around bedtime—the kids would suddenly get very interested in watching them.
Why Kids Are Amazing
Melissa Gosselin
I worked in a school for eight years, so I had the privilege of working with all sorts of amazing kids. Whether it’s your own child, your niece or your nephew, or the child of a family friend . . . children bring a little magic to daily experiences. So here’s a list of why I love kids!
No Matter the Distance
Melissa Gosselin
The absence of in-person time with our loved ones might be something we can all relate to nowadays. My boyfriend and I video chat daily, but it’s difficult not being a part of each other’s routines. We try and offset that by having morning and nightly chats, and we’ve both gotten very good at finding ways to send each other little gifts.