A Not-So-Happy Father's Day

WE'VE MOVED!

Please visit us at our new home:

For Mother's Day I wrote about some circumstances that might make Mother's Day a painful day for many women.

But I haven't forgotten about you, Dads.

Maybe your own excellent father has passed away and you miss him acutely.
Maybe Dad wasn't such a great guy and his passing has robbed you of the hope of reconciliation.
Maybe you're a father who's son is estranged, or maybe you're the estranged son.
Maybe you've lost a child or experienced a miscarriage, or abortion.
Maybe you're ignored as others ask, "How is she?"

You feel the pain differently, but it's no less than hers.

That gaping hole in your heart, you'd never wish upon another.

I don't pretend to know why God allows terrible things to happen.
All I know is that He is a loving Father who loved you so much that He didn't even spare His only Son's life in order to be with you again.

He is a God who knows your agony first hand and He wants desperately to comfort you in your grief and your anger - even if your anger is directed at him. He can take it.

We value story here.
We invite you to please share your Dad story with us in the comments below.

Click HERE to read: Father's Day Is Still A Time For Celebrating

Click HERE for an article on Dealing With Grief: Five Things NOT To Say And Five Things To Say In A Trauma Involving Children

He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. 1 Corinthians 1:4

He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever. Revelation 21:4

You Will Never Find Your Soulmate

Soulmates?... I call bullshit. This whole “soul mate” idea that Plato pulled out of his ass is complete bullshit. It’s totally narcissistic to think that our Creator took the time and attention to form another being who’s supposed to be your perfect other half, made just for you. It might be good for selling books or filling theaters where you’re pulling for this couple to finally get together. But in real life, it’s way easier to find love than that. “Then WHY am I still single??” I hear you shriek?... .... Read more @ Signature26.com

An Open Letter To Officials Serving North Portland, Oregon

UPDATE: Please join the community for a press conference Monday 1/13/25 at 10am at Columbia Pool An Open Letter To Officials Serving North Portland, Oregon, I am writing to you in outrage and with profound disappointment over the permanent closure of Columbia Pool in 2023. This decision is not just a matter of budgetary convenience—it is a blatant example of racism, ableism, and socio-economic discrimination. The closure of this vital community facility disproportionately harms the most vulnerable populations in St. Johns and North Portland. It perpetuates systemic inequities and sends a clear message: marginalized communities are not a priority. Racism in Public Service Allocation St. Johns, one of Portland’s most racially diverse neighborhoods, has consistently been underserved. As of 2019, ZIP code 97203, which encompasses St. Johns, was 63% white—lower than Portland’s overall 71%. Black, Indigenous, Latino, and immigrant residents make up a significant portion of the population her...

From Unhappily Married to Happily Unmarried

The End Of An Era 2006-2022 After 15 years of marriage, Eric and Genevieve are now officially divorced. Just as their marriage began surrounded by loved ones, the former couple hopes to end their marriage with the support of loved ones as well. Celebrate Life. Humans come together to acknowledge and celebrate every other momentous event, such as birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, even funerals, so why not divorce too? We chose to throw a joint divorce party together to signal to our friends and families that divorce is happening, that our divorce is amicable, that they don’t need to choose sides, and to announce to the world that life is changing for the West family! Setting Intentions. A combined divorce party sets the intention of the type of divorce we’re envisioning. While I can only hope to achieve the co-parenting relationship that @momsoftampa have with their blended families, Eric and I have agreed that we will always put the kids first. And we make a g...

Why Columbia Pool Matters to North Portland Families

UPDATE: There will be a press conference at Columbia Pool at 10am at Monday January 13, 2025. Neighbors and concerned citizens are encouraged to attend. For generations, Columbia Pool has been more than just a place to swim—it has been a cornerstone of community health, safety, and connection for North Portland. As a lifelong resident and parent, I have experienced firsthand the devastating impact of its closure. My oldest daughter Evie swam for Roosevelt High School’s team, then worked as a lifeguard and swim instructor at Columbia Pool. Her younger sister Kaylie joined a swim team when she was just seven. But my youngest children, Ellie and Blake, have never had the opportunity to learn to swim. The closure of Columbia Pool and the limited access to other public pools—combined with overcrowding and hour-long bus rides to reach them—make it almost impossible for families like mine to teach children this essential life skill. During the summer, we’ve made the trek to Matt...

Genevieve C. West

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