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To all the mothers who are homeless for Mother’s Day

COMMENTARY | Your love for your children is real For nearly 10 years, I have had the pleasure of working with the homeless community here in Portland. I have learned so many lessons from these folks, but the most valuable lesson is of a mother’s love tha ...

5 May 2016 - Haven Wheelock
Charles McGee III: ‘Every single day inspires me to do the work that I do.’

Charles McGee III and I sit outside a coffee shop one late afternoon, but we are far from alone. We are interrupted multiple times by passersby who know him and can’t help but say hello. He greets each one like an old friend. “And how’s your mother doing? ...

22 Oct 2014 - Ann-Derrick Gaillot
Cradle to Grave, Ariel Gore returns to Portland

Ariel Gore is as raw and honest in her writing as she is in her life, earning her the moniker of the hippest mama around. But the backstory is a long way from Ozzie and Harriet. Gore, spurred by a resilience born of childhood trauma, dropped out of high s ...

3 Mar 2014 - Suzanne Zalokar
With the new year comes a chance to reflect and change

Leonard Cohen sang, “It’s four in the morning/the end of December/I’m writing you now/Just to see if you’re better…” in the mournful ‘70s tune “Famous Blue Raincoat”. Actually, here in the last embers of 2013, it’s more like late afternoon, and we—Ramona, ...

15 Jan 2014 - Melissa Favara
Mother's milk: Momentum gains in helping low-income mothers breastfeed their children

Despite being one of the wealthiest nations in the world, the United States is one of the sickest. Obesity is one of the fastest growing chronic conditions both globally and nationally, affecting 15 percent of American adults and 18 percent of American ch ...

4 Jan 2014 - Jasmine Rockow
Mother’s milk: breastfeeding among low-income and minority families

For years, formula has been an easy option for new mothers, but institutional attitudes are changing to encourage breastfeeding among low-income and minority families Despite being one of the wealthiest nations in the world, the United States is one of th ...

24 Dec 2013 - Jasmine Rockow
The new addition to the family isn’t what was expected

In August, Ramona and I drove to Salem to meet Regis, a fluffy little puppy whose picture we’d spied on a rescue society’s website. He would be the yin to our Newfoundland-mix Vera’s yang, when we brought her near-toxic level cuteness home eight years ago ...

4 Dec 2013 - Melissa Favara
Autumn rolls in, bringing with it the terror of learning

I always like to quote John Keats’ unforgettable “To Autumn” when fall arrives: Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness, Close bosom-friend of the maturing sun; Conspiring with him how to load and bless With fruit the vines that round the thatch-eves ...

24 Sep 2013 - Melissa Favara
Sometimes happiness comes from accepting the roll of the dice

I don’t believe in soul mates. At least, not in theory: I think of my life, my reality, as the one that won out among many possible realities that could be entirely different if I’d made one infinitely small decision elsewhere. As it happens, I decided to ...

25 Jun 2013 - Melissa Favara
A few ghosts, a little chaos, the playground of a rich youth

This isn’t garbage. It’s totally useful,” says Marshall, the father of my child and my partner in crime, life, and everything. “It’s not garbage.” Our back gate is open to the alleyway, and a borrowed box truck full of lawn debris, rotten lumber, and sund ...

5 Jun 2013 - Melissa Favara