Welcome to Families First Monthly

From The Heart

Transitioning to the kitchen breakfast nook is an outdoor flowering plant I am wintering indoors. It seems to be enjoying the light from the southeast windows even when the days are more gray than blue—so far so good. The fern in the wicker stand was moved from the unheated front porch to a corner of the dining room where the light is dim and there is no furnace to blow warm air across it. A few weeks passed and I noticed many new fronds. Apparently it loves the new winter position. I need to find a winter position I like—perhaps an attitude of gratitude.

The holidays can be difficult for some because of changes like the death of a loved one, or feelings saying you, or it, or the world, is not enough or not right. Transitions can be made and a new way of life with light waits. This issue includes some stories relating to changes. Our Charity Spotlight is about Michael’s Place. Proof That Love Can Save a Life is a touching story of a young girl’s journey out of a dark place. Herein are other stories relating to transitions into things, sharing ways to reduce stresses, acts of kindness, and ways to help others.

Annaka Hansen, who has been our Teen Talk writer since 2014, is making a transition to focus on her studies and school commitments to her Senior Year at TC West. We have appreciated her viewpoints and will miss having her on board. The world is her oyster.

There are ads throughout this issue to color in and send to us for a chance to win some wonderful prizes offered by our advertisers. See the form below for the list of prizes and have fun finding an ad to color.

Thank you for reading,
Have a happy Christmas and a merry NEW YEAR

Laura Lee Kalchik