Child advocacy, guardian ad Litem, volunteer, trauma
What I have learned from the psychiatric unit
The psychiatric unit. It’s seen as a place of despair, a stereotypical “looney bin”, a mad house, a dark place that people go when things feel impossible. Over the last 20 years that I have actively engaged in mental health treatment, I have been in often rotating or long term stints at these units for … Continue reading What I have learned from the psychiatric unit
Lingering Heat and Fading Summer
It seems Summer 2025 is fading away and as it does, heatwaves rage on in Jacksonville,Florida. The heat index today was 117 degrees, 97 degrees Fahrenheit in Orange Park, on the west side, just inland of the city. I spent the afternoon smack dab in the prime wrath of today’s heatwave, visiting children on my … Continue reading Lingering Heat and Fading Summer
Objects are closer than they appear
Last night I attended a NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group meeting, after not having been in person for a couple months. I was greeted cordially with hugs and smiles by familiar faces. At the meeting I shared about how exercise and nutrition has been consistently improved over time as I continue to lose weight due … Continue reading Objects are closer than they appear
What they see matters
Hazel had a spring chorus concert today at her elementary school. It was super sweet to hear their little voices and see the effort they put into rehearsals. Hazel stood out, projecting and singing so clearly that at times her voice was the only recognizable sound. We got home and reminisced about the many performances … Continue reading What they see matters
Chasing the unstoppable
It’s not for lack of things to say or write. I could come up with more than a few reasons to have disappeared into this unstoppable world around me. I feel as though I am always struggling to catch up and keep pace with my surroundings. So as change each day occurs, I am chasing … Continue reading Chasing the unstoppable
Pisces Season and the epic birthday month celebration
It is still technically Pisces season, well into March. But alas, my epic birthday month has come to an end. It included two birthday karaoke celebrations with my girlfriends, co-workers party, family party, pre-oscars birthday festivities, and one hell of a way to turn fourty-one years old. So many friends near and far made the … Continue reading Pisces Season and the epic birthday month celebration
Is this the real life?: The Skins playoff run
The Commanders, or “Redskins” as many fans still call them, are heading to the NFC Championship game of the 2024-25 NFL season. It is an extremely surreal time to be a Skins fan, with Rookie QB Jayden Daniels leading the team its first NFC championship game since the 1991 season. As a kid in the … Continue reading Is this the real life?: The Skins playoff run
2025, a year of courage to overcome
So far 2025 has been really exciting, moreso testing me physically and emotionally. Jason broke his ankle and leg on NYE. Since then he’s been on “light duty” while I try my best to manage caring for him, the kids, the home, and everything else thrown my way with a new grad school semester, and … Continue reading 2025, a year of courage to overcome
School’s out for Christmas!
I am officially 1.5 years into graduate school through Florida State University. Lately I have reflected on what I will do and which population I will serve. As I get closer to completing the MSW, the draw to stay working in child welfare changes. There are days when I am overwhelmed by what I see … Continue reading School’s out for Christmas!
Kamala…and Trump… and Bears, oh my!
I am not a political person, never have been, never will be. I do believe in democracy and the right to exercise my vote. Growing up in a conservative household and even now having many family members and friends that are staunch conservatives, it is hard being the odd ball out. Despite my conservative upbringing … Continue reading Kamala…and Trump… and Bears, oh my!
Turning back time
I sat up late thumbing through memories of the girls when they were younger this evening. Reflecting on so many happy moments together. Questioning if I am making the right decisions for our girls. This Sunday like any fall daylight savings time, we turn back time. For a moment we are happy to gain another … Continue reading Turning back time
You are confined only by the walls you build yourself
I had a long exhausting day. To anyone concerned, we fared just fine after hurricane Milton. The storm passed south of us and we only had some moderately high wind gusts. My post is concerning a long work day. Where I had exhausted every option attempting to help. As I lay here attempting finally fall … Continue reading You are confined only by the walls you build yourself
Hurricane Milton watch
After living in NE Florida for several years. I have never been so concerned about a pending hurricane barreling towards the state. There are mass evacuations from the west side of the state. We have prepared the best we can in Jacksonville. I hope to have a better idea of an evacuation back up plan … Continue reading Hurricane Milton watch
NAMIWalks Jacksonville is back!
https://www.namiwalks.org/participant/SarahGrant Join me for NAMIWalks Jacksonville October 19, 2024. The walk is a free event and open to the public to raise awareness for mental health As some of you know, I live with Bipolar I disorder. I found the support of NAMI (national alliance on mental illness) as a young adult, at the beginning … Continue reading NAMIWalks Jacksonville is back!
The Seascapechronicles 