My former mother-in-law was only happy when she was complaining — “God won’t love the baby, but we’ll love him anyway.” It should have been warning of things to come, of a rocky relationship with my future mother-in-law — Grandma B. But, I assumed once we were married, things would settle. They didn’t settle. Two weeks after a celebrant performed the…

“Homer is just like my Dad,” Jarryn said. “If your Dad reminds you of Homer, who reminds you of you?” I asked.  “Bart.”

Genetics made him my father. Love made him my dad — “Mummy, do I have a dad?” I was five when I asked the question that my mother had probably been dreading, but she handled it well. “Your dad’s name is Harry. After you were born, he married another lady. We don't see him, and he doesn't come and see us.” …

Until stolen minutes were no longer enough. — The judgments started the moment I announced I was pregnant. They came from family and friends. They came from a place of fear and concern. I can’t say I’m pleased. You’re digging your own grave. What a selfish thing to do. My pregnancy progressed without incident, and when Jarryn was…

A wedding can include hundreds of people, but a marriage is between two. — “Come on, it's not a funeral march.” My stepdad gripped my arm and marched me across the bridge. In my brand-new shiny heels, I could barely keep up. …

Some friendships you never forget — There are so many rites of passage you’d already missed out on, and the school ball is destined to become another item on that ever-growing list. You tried to delay the inevitable until every breath from your lungs sounds as if Cystic Fibrosis is cackling through you. …