I am the winner of the 2016 REAL SIMPLE magazine Life Lessons essay contest. I wrote about the life-changing decision I made after my son's paralysis. I have also been published in Victoria magazine, Organic Style, and a living history museum's newsletter. I have an affection for the English language. My great-grandfather was a sea captain and storyteller, my grandfather was a printer, and my father was an award winning songwriter and antiquarian bookseller. Ink runs through my veins. In grade school I asked for extra homework; give me a prompt and I will write. I have a Masters in Education and a Bachelors in Communications. With my love for stories I have always found it heartbreaking that not everyone can just curl up with a good book. Professionally, I help unlock the world of words for children with dyslexia and other learning challenges. I also have a passion for, and deep knowledge of, Catholicism, which is the owner's manual to the human heart. Yep, hiding in plain sight all along.