by Christine Hammond on October 12, 2017
One minute everything seems fine. Then in a flood of intense emotion and erratic thoughts, it all changes. Life becomes a distorted kaleidoscope, with nothing familiar from before. Even speaking is difficult. It is impossible to explain what is happening because the event is so unlike anything experienced prior. In the past, the term nervous… (more…)
by Christine Hammond on October 8, 2017
About fifteen years ago, a friend of mine sold her large beautiful home and opted for another house about a quarter of the size. There was no financial circumstance that mandated the change. Rather, she decided that having fewer things reduced her responsibility to care for them thereby gaining more time. Her attitude towards living… (more…)
by Christine Hammond on October 8, 2017
Hurricane Irma tore though Florida five to seven days ago, depending on where a person lived. Since then, in the Orlando area alone, there are still nearly ½ million people, businesses and schools without power, even more without any internet service, and countless others without land-line phone service. Some businesses are fully operational while others… (more…)
by Christine Hammond on October 8, 2017
After being closed for over a week due to the devastating effects of Hurricane Irma, some Florida schools are attempting to return to normal operations. While the schools may be fully-functional, the teachers and students might not be. Educators should be properly equipped to handle basic first-aid for mental health care as many students will… (more…)
by Christine Hammond on September 13, 2017
The real devastation and triumph of Hurricane Irma lies in the personal stories of loss and survival. While the extent of the catastrophic property damage in the State of Florida is just now coming to light, the people of Florida have rallied around each other in simple acts of kindness. Since this was the largest… (more…)
by Christine Hammond on September 9, 2017
The shifting projections for Hurricane Irma have caused resulted in the largest evacuation for the State of Florida. Those of us who choose to stay behind watch each update with anxious anticipation wondering which forecast will be correct. Having survived other storms in the past, I have come to appreciate the difficulty in accurate predictions…. (more…)
by Christine Hammond on September 8, 2017
As Hurricane Irma, with shifting center winds of 150 – 185 miles per hour, heads for Florida, anxiety in residents builds with every shifting forecast. The topic of conversation at check-out isles in grocery stores is which storm have you lived through. Those who have survived the many storms have already completed their shopping several… (more…)
by Christine Hammond on November 12, 2016
As a mom with a child in the military, every time a news story breaks of a military death, my heart and breathing literally stop. It doesn’t matter what branch, location/country, circumstance, on base, off base, or in the line of duty, life comes to a screeching halt. A flood of emotions takes over any… (more…)
by Christine Hammond on September 17, 2016
It all begins with you. Regardless of the circumstances, traumas, abuse, injuries, hurts, and situations, meaningful change can occur within that dramatically transforms a life. It is not an easy process as it requires substantial commitment, time, and energy but the rewards are worth the effort. It is precisely when a person is most vulnerable… (more…)
by Christine Hammond on August 31, 2016
For Floridians, hurricane threats send people scurrying around town collecting water, batteries, and can goods. The stores are flocked with people as the shelves begin to go bare. Preparations are made to homes and offices to protect landscapes, windows, and possessions. Anyone who lived through the four hurricane year of 2004, remembers the unpredictability of… (more…)