I’m writing this from the car, somewhere between Idaho and Arkansas, where time has stopped meaning anything and the road signs all blur together like a fever dream. We’ve already picked up my youngest, who is sick and letting the entire vehicle know it, and my four‑year‑old has entered his “constant commentary” era. My friend is driving, probably questioning why he agreed to this, and I’m in the passenger seat trying to keep everyone alive with snacks, tissues, and sheer wil

Sunday morning a few weeks ago I told the kids to get their shoes on. It should have been simple. It never is. My oldest came out wearing one boot and one tennis shoe. He looked so proud of himself. I just did not have the fight in me to argue about it. He walked into church like he invented fashion and I let him because honestly I was impressed he found two shoes at all. Then on a completely different day my other son came strolling out in socks and sandals. He always choose