Status Updates From Corinne

"I had discovered that being honest and forgiving each other could solve pretty much any relationship problem."

"Don't worry. Everybody makes mistakes. We just have to figure out how to solve them."

"It was kind of funny to think that Arne was afraid of something I wasn't. But I also liked that he admitted to being scared. 'It's okay, we all have things we're afraid of.' "

"[Corinne] had coronavirus. Kung flu!"

"I couldn't have been more surprised if the boy had slapped me. ... I felt like crying. I didn't have coronavirus. I didn't even know that boy, but it still hurt. ... Maybe they had been teasing me but more than words. The boy's tone was what struck me the hardest. It was mean, it was sharp, and it wasn't meant to be kind."

"I wish Mom could see all the questions inside me. So I wouldn't need to say them out loud."

I would love to be the mother who could see the questions: I'll strive to notice and validate those unspoken feelings—but it’s also important to gently guide kids toward voicing their questions, since not everyone will be able to read what’s inside. It’s a balance of empathy and teaching communication.

"It's who you marry, not how you marry."

Love to see elopment representation. Teaching kids that love and commitment matter more than fancy ceremonies. (Although they can be really fun!) It’s also a gentle way of showing that families can be formed and celebrated in many different, valid ways—including simple courthouse weddings or elopements.

"I was nervous but I didn't want Gwynn to he nervous too."

It shows girls that even when you feel nervous, you can choose to be brave and caring so others—like a younger sibling—feel safe and supported. It teaches empathy, responsibility, and quiet courage

" Dedicated to the girls who keep their faces to the sun. -W.S. "