It was Sunday evening and the sun was just setting. He was on his way to Jacksonville where Alanis lived when he decided to drive to Gray Whale Cove. He got out of the car and made his way gingerly down the steep steps. He stood facing the ocean, breathing in the tangy salt air …
Tag: counseling
Six Months Apart
"You've been spending a lot of time with Melania since I told you that she's attracted to you. Why is that Matt?" "I haven't been spending a lot of time with Mel." "What about the time you went over to Joel's place and stayed to watch the Star Wars movie because she asked you to?" …
Shiloh
Everyone came to him for advice and to vent about something. Perhaps it was because he was easy to talk to and most of the young people didn't feel comfortable talking to other adults, least of all their parents. Or perhaps, it was because he was the Guidance Counselor at Sunnyside High School. Most of …
Zoey’s Story
"Zoey, what are you doing here?" "I needed to see you. Please, may I come in?" He sighed heavily. "All right, come in." She went inside and after he shut the door, he faced her. He leaned against it, arms folded, looking down at her. She looked so young and reminded him of a waif. …
My Co-worker
This week is the first week I'm working from home because of COVID-19. It's been challenging because I liked going into the office and interacting with my co-workers. I miss the face to face contact, going for walks, lunch and coffee breaks. I miss goign for my morning jog or to the gym but I …
Blinded But Not Defeated
In June 2011, Rumana Monzur's visit to Bangladesh turned into a nightmare when her husband, the father of her child viciously attacked her. He robbed her of her sight and disfigured her face because she wanted to pursue a higher education in Canada. "He has made my world dark. I can't see my daughter," …
Comforted and Comforting
“The question is not whether you ever gave yourself to God, but whether you are His now” ― Elizabeth Prentiss, Stepping Heavenward Elizabeth Prentiss, née Elizabeth Payson, daughter of an American Congregational preacher, Edward Payson, well known for her hymn "More Love to Thee, O Christ" and the religious novel Stepping Heavenward was deeply impacted by …
Sherry’s Story
I want to tell somebody but who will believe me? Who will believe that the man who uses me for a punching bag is one of New York's finest? I'm just a former exotic dancer who had the misfortune of getting hooked up with the wrong man. I guess I was flattered by the attentions …
Matt’s Story
A couple of years ago, my world as I knew it was turned upside down. I was 17 and at my cousin, Rose's wedding. At the reception, a relative who had way too much to drink, put his arm around me and said, "I don't know about the rest of the family but I'm sure …
Claude’s Story
I'm sitting in the café which I frequently go to because I love their Latte when I can feel that someone is staring at me. I turn my head and my eyes meet those of a very beautiful African American woman. As we lock eyes for what seemed like eternity, I debate whether or not …
Notes to Women 