Author: Emily Nguyen Le
The moment I walked into the shelter and saw him, a 4-month-old Great Pyrenees missing an eye and a paw, I knew he was meant to be mine. At that time, I was drowning in the deepest abyss of my life. The tragic loss of my parents in a car accident had left me so shattered that I had attempted to end my suffering twice. Choosing him wasn’t just adopting a dog; it felt like a pact between two souls, each missing parts yet together, complete. I named him Frankie, and from that day, we became inseparable. Frankie wasn’t just…
Late evening wrapped the kitchen in thick darkness, as if the walls had absorbed all the sounds and light. The air was so dense and tense that Igor was afraid even to take a deeper breath. He looked at Svetlana — the woman he had lived with for ten years, loving and trusting — and did not recognize her. Before him sat a strange, cold creature with lips pressed into a thin line and eyes in which all warmth had died out. “I can’t do this anymore,” she said, her voice barely audible, but each sound cut like glass. “We…
When my daughter-in-law invited me to her big Fourth of July celebration, she made one thing perfectly clear: I wasn’t to bring a single thing. I never imagined those words would come back to bite me in front of a yard full of guests. I’ve always tried to respect boundaries, especially when it comes to my son’s marriage. His wife, Karen, is very particular about everything. But when I tried to be helpful after she invited me to her Fourth of July party, she shut me down, only to embarrass me in front of everyone. Karen’s particular nature showed in…
Eight hundred dollars plus. That’s what Jack’s “boys’ night out” bill came to, and he expected his wife, Lora, to foot it. Waitress Melanie, witnessing Lora’s despair, concocted a bold move to ensure Jack’s night didn’t end as he planned. Ten years. That’s how long I’ve been slinging plates at one of the fanciest restaurants downtown. You see all sorts of folks in this line of work, couples on first dates practically glowing, families celebrating birthdays with sticky-fingered toddlers, and the occasional business lunch that looks more like an interrogation than a meeting. But nothing could have prepared me for…
Honey and cinnamon have been used since ancient times to support human health and wellness. Honey has a rich history dating back to ancient Greek, Roman, Vedic and Egyptian texts, while cinnamon has been used in Chinese and Ayurvedic folk medicine for more than 2,000 years. We know that, individually, both cinnamon and honey possess powerful therapeutic properties. What about when you use them together? If one is good by itself, does that mean that the two combined can be even more beneficial? Here’s what you need to know about the combination of honey and cinnamon. Benefits of cinnamon 1.…
A stray dog suddenly dashed toward the sea and plunged into the crashing waves. Something in the water caught his attention. The sea current was carrying away the very goal he was desperately trying to reach. His small, tired paws paddled frantically until he finally reached a child barely staying afloat. For illustrative purposes only The dog bit gently onto the child’s clothing and carefully lifted him onto his back. The waves continued to carry them further and further away from shore, out into the open sea where no one could see them. He swam with his last strength, exhausted,…
Working at a small diner means you sometimes have to get creative with childcare. My babysitter canceled last minute, so I brought my four-year-old son, Micah, with me to work. It was Halloween, and he was thrilled to wear his little firefighter costume—red helmet, coat, and all. I set him up with some crayons and a grilled cheese at a back booth, reminding him to stay put while I handled the dinner rush. For illustration purposes only. At some point, between refilling coffee and taking orders, I glanced over and—he was gone. Panic hit me fast. I called his name,…
Losing a loved one is an emotional and spiritual experience. In many cultures, people perform rituals not only to honor the d3ad but also to protect the living. While each tradition has its own customs, there is one thing that many spiritual advisors, healers, and elders quietly agree on—you must burn the deceased’s pillow after their passing. Why the Pillow? The pillow is not just a place of rest. It takes in energy—our thoughts, dreams, and even unspoken emotions. It’s where a person lays their head every night, where they cry, worry, and dream. When someone passes away, their energy…
Late at night, drowning in paperwork dumped by my overbearing boss, I got a call that shattered everything—my mother was getting married, and I wasn’t invited. I didn’t know what hurt more: the secret… or the fear of what—or who—she was hiding. I was at my desk in the office, eyes tired, neck stiff, fingers aching from a full day of typing numbers and rewriting the same report three times. The glow of my monitor flickered across the pile of unfinished paperwork, casting long shadows on the desk like crooked fingers pointing out all I hadn’t done. Outside the window,…
When facing health challenges like cancer, many people turn to nature—not as a cure, but as gentle support for the body’s natural healing abilities. Alongside medical care, certain foods and remedies may help create an internal environment that supports wellness. Let’s explore five natural allies—wild yam cream, baking soda, castor oil, lemons, and Granny Smith apples—plus a few lifestyle habits that can empower your body and mind during challenging times. 1. Wild Yam Cream (Annas): Hormonal Balance for Natural Support Traditionally used for women’s wellness, wild yam contains a plant compound called diosgenin, which may gently support hormonal balance—especially for those navigating hormone-related concerns. How It…