I took time off to attend my brother’s wedding. At the venue, my parents stopped me. “Only family is allowed. You weren’t invited.” Heartbroken, I left. Three days later, the wedding planner called: “Ma’am, the bill is $26,000. How will you pay?” I smiled and said…

as it needs to be.”

I hung up the phone before he could stammer a reply.

I needed to move, to physically exorcise the adrenaline coursing through my veins. I grabbed my keys and drove to the VA center. The building is a drab, utilitarian brick cube, but stepping inside always ground me. It is a sanctuary of real problems and tangible solutions.

I found continue reading …