Dear Zoe and Dear Talia, Today of all days I feel as though I should address you individually. You are, after all, each celebrating a sixteenth birthday. But as usual, this letter is going to be to the both of you because—let’s be honest—you’re both very much alike and maybe, I’m just a little bit…

Thirteen reasons I love you, Aaron (to celebrate your thirteenth birthday, of course!): Your red hair. Your patience with your little sister (although these days, that patience sometimes wanes). Your dedication to the feline and canine friends that live with us. Your ability to put on paper something you envision. Your wiry arms that still…

Insomnia stinks. Those of you who suffer from it know I speak the truth. I’ve suffered two episodes of insomnia in the past week: the first came just about a week ago, and the second occurred last Thursday night. While I’m not entirely sure of its cause, I think I had trouble sleeping because I…