For a long time, I believed the best in people. If someone smiled at me, I smiled back. If someone needed help, I helped. If someone called me a friend, I treated them like one. Maybe that is just the way my heart works. I have never been very good at keeping score. I did…
That’s what happened to her.
There was a time when I worried about what people thought of me. Why I was quiet some days.Why I seemed stronger on some days than others.Why I talked about God so much.Why I held onto hope when life gave me every reason not to. The truth is, life changes you. Loss changes you.Grief changes…
Anne of Green Gables
If there is one book series and television adaptation I wish I could experience again for the very first time, it would be Anne of Green Gables. Written by L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables introduced readers to Anne Shirley, a spirited orphan with a vivid imagination, a kind heart, and a knack for finding…
Happiness Isn’t What Most People Think It Is
One of the biggest misconceptions people have about happiness is that it means having a perfect life. Many people believe that happiness comes after reaching a certain goal. Maybe it’s finding the perfect job, making more money, buying a house, getting married, losing weight, or finally solving all of life’s problems. We tell ourselves that…
Seven Seconds of Confusion
Did I Just Dream an Earthquake? Something strange happened to me at 4:44 this morning. I was asleep and dreaming that there was an earthquake. In my dream, I was lying in bed when everything started shaking. Then I woke up… except I don’t think my brain realized I was awake yet. For about seven…
Rediscovering Ocean Girl
As a child, I loved watching Ocean Girl on The Disney Channel. Back then, Disney aired shows from all over the world, and one of the most memorable was this Australian science fiction series. Recently, I sat down and watched all four seasons on DVD, and I was surprised by how well the show held…
If I could talk to animals, life would be even more magical.
If I could instantly master any skill, I would want the ability to talk to animals and with any and every creature on earth. Not only would I love to understand what they are thinking, but I would also love for animals to trust me the way they trusted Snow White. Imagine walking through a…
Stronger than I Thought I was
One way I have grown this year is learning how to keep moving forward even when life feels incredibly difficult. Losing my dad in March this year changed my life in ways I never expected. Some days I still find myself wanting to pick up the phone and try calling him. Other days I feel…
We laid my dad to rest.
Today was a beautiful day. As difficult as this day was, I know Dad would have been happy. One of his final wishes was granted. He wanted a Christian burial and funeral service, and today we were able to give that to him. When Dad was gravely ill, we had many deep and difficult conversations…
His last breath
March 14, 2026 Today, heaven gained one of the gentlest souls I have ever known. The phone call came before sunrise, and with it, a heartbreak I never imagined I would have to carry. My dad, Jaime Hinojosa, took his final breath and went home to be with the Lord. Some people leave footprints on…
Crowned Brunette 