New Normal Let’s face it—uncertainty is the new normal, especially for families navigating disability services and supports. Between policy shifts, staffing shortages, and the ongoing tug-of-war over Medicaid and special education funding, it’s easy to feel like you’re stuck waiting for the next shoe to drop. You Deserve Joy But here’s the truth: you deserve […]
Summer, Uninterrupted: Finding Joy Amid Uncertainty Read More »
Change – the pace of change is real! None of us could have planned for COVID, protests, economic challenges, job loss, and alterations in services for our families. I know Mikelle, and I never thought we would be social distancing. Our focus has always been on being active in our community. Mikelle and I
Flexibility, Creativity, and Hope: Our Everyday Power Tools Read More »
The Lingering Scent of Conflict Conflict smells vague and bitter—like day-old coffee, sulfur before a match ignites, or uncollected trash lingering too long on a sweltering day. It clings to frozen sidewalks on a frosty morning, settling into the cracks of daily life. Left unattended, conflict can shudder a window, shut a door, or close a once-open
Love in the Crossfire: Navigating Valentine’s Day in a Divided World Read More »
A few weeks ago, I stood in the halls of the Colorado State Capitol, surrounded by families, advocates, and individuals with disabilities. It wasn’t just another day—it was a day to advocate for Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) and ensure the voices of those who rely on these essential services were heard loud and clear. Mikelle, as always,
Showing Up Matters: Why We Took Our Advocacy to the State Capitol Read More »
The Arrival of Winter’s Chill It is dawn on a cold winter morning, a sharp contrast to the days prior when temperatures soared to nearly sixty degrees. Now, water droplets—frozen mid-flight—fall from the darkened heavens above. Each one is unique and intricate, with a center surrounded by six crystalline arms. Their architecture depends on
Embracing the Storm: Rise, Transform and Carry on. Read More »
As the last holiday feasts are enjoyed, the parties quiet down, and the resolutions begin to take shape, we enter a new year filled with uncertainty and possible cuts to our beloved long-term services and supports. While often stressful, the holiday season brings exceptional warmth and joy to those who celebrate. At Shining Beautiful, we
New Year, New Reality: Navigating 2025 with Strength and Grace Read More »
Many years ago, my teenage son, Kasey, gave me a Christmas gift that I’ve cherished ever since. It wasn’t expensive or elaborate—a simple black frame containing an image of a worn nub of a yellow #2 pencil. Its point was carved roughly with a pen knife, its pink eraser worn, and its surface visibly chewed.
Protecting the Dream of Inclusion: Persistence, Passion, and the Courage to Begin Again Read More »
A time of good cheer. The holiday season is always a special time for the Shining Beautiful Team. It’s a chance to gather with our favorite people, share laughter, and celebrate all the moments that make life meaningful. But this year, like so many others, we’ve had to adjust and find new ways to embrace
A Shining Beautiful Christmas: Finding Joy in the Little Things Read More »
Change is inevitable, but… Change is an inevitable part of any journey, and it’s with mixed emotions that we bid farewell to Abby and Elise. Abby has left us to pursue an exciting new position at a local museum, and Elise is moving on to new opportunities. While we will miss them both, we are
New Beginnings: How to Embrace Change and Strengthen Your Caregiving Team Read More »
Old Friends and New Memories It was one of those perfect summer evenings when the air was just perfect—warm with a gentle breeze reminiscent of a simpler time–a more innocent time. Mikelle, Liz, and I decided in May to get these tickets at Denver’s Levitt Pavilion for a beach-like concert featuring the legendary sounds of
Catching a Wave at Levitt Pavilion with the Ladies Read More »
