By Dr. Eva Jackson
Each October, my family gathers to honor the traditions that connect our past, present, and future. Relatives travel from near and far to share stories, learn about those who came before us, create new memories, and help younger generations understand the history that shaped them. More than a reunion, this gathering is a celebration of heritage, belonging, and the bonds that hold us together.
By Stacie Prada
To quote the band Talking Heads from the song Once in a Lifetime, “How did I get here?”
And why does it matter?
For my ancestors who died before I was born, I contributed absolutely nothing to what they did or who they were. I try not to take any unearned pride in their efforts. I have no idea if we would have even liked each other.
Still, I marvel at the many hardships they endured that brought my family to the United States and led me to be here.
Continue readingBy Dan and Jennifer Digmann
When we hear the word “roots,” we tend to gravitate toward where we came from. We think about our parents and grandparents, our hometowns, traditions, and family stories.
But maybe our roots are more than these.
Continue readingIn today’s fast-paced world, where many people are caught up in the demands of modern life, it can be easy to lose touch with one’s heritage. It is important to honor the traditions of those who came before you and appreciate the diversity of those around you.
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There is nothing quite like the smell of sweet apples and warm cinnamon baking on a crisp autumn day. This quick bread is incredibly moist, loaded with juicy chunks of fresh apples, and a layer of cinnamon sugar right through the center. Best of all, you don’t need a stand mixer, and you don’t need to wait for yeast to rise. It’s a simple stir-and-bake quick bread recipe.
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Nuestras raíces pueden influir en nuestra vida sin que nos demos cuenta.Como estadounidense con raíces mexicanas, mi cultura forma parte de muchos aspectos de quién soy. Se refleja en las tradiciones que he aprendido de mi familia, el idioma que escuché al crecer, los alimentos que compartimos y los valores que continúan guiándome. Mi cultura y mi historia familiar hacen que mis raíces sean una parte muy especial de mi vida.
Continue readingOur roots can influence us in ways we may not always recognize. As a Mexican American, my culture is woven into many parts of who I am. It can be found in the traditions my family has passed down, the language I grew up hearing, the food we share, and the values that continue to shape me. These connections to my heritage are part of what make exploring my roots so meaningful.
Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated from September 15 through October 15, provides an opportunity to celebrate these connections while recognizing the rich diversity of Hispanic and Latinx communities. For me, it is a time to reflect on where I come from, the people and traditions that have influenced me, and what I hope to carry forward.
Continue readingBy Angel Blair
I’ve been thinking about family a lot lately. As time passes and the years roll by, I find myself missing those I’ve lost with growing heartache and longing for family history that will never be completely whole. There are so many questions I still have – gaps in time and incomplete stories that leave only trails of puzzlement now.
Having children has amplified this realization. And it’s funny because growing up, I never truly realized how greatly my family’s history, culture, and values would influence me and how I would raise my own children one day. Or how I would long for family tales and retellings of past stories. But you don’t think about these things when you’re young. We naively think our family will live forever and that they’ll be there when we have questions or need support and guidance for the paths we’re trying to forge. Sadly, this isn’t reality, which is why it’s so important to explore family roots and culture while we have the opportunity and chance to do so.
Continue readingWeather is something most people talk about to fill an awkward elevator silence. But when you live with multiple sclerosis (MS), the shift in temperature outside can be far more than casual small talk – it can completely transform how your body functions from day to day. From the sweltering humidity of mid-to-end summer to the sharp pressure drops of autumn storms, changing seasons can bring distinct physical challenges.
Understanding how weather can impact MS can help turn unexpected flare-ups into manageable moments, offering a roadmap for staying safe, comfortable, and connected all year long.
Continue readingMSAA features the work of many talented artists affected by multiple sclerosis as part of our annual MSAA Art Showcase. Each month we share these artists’ inspiring stories and beautiful artwork with you as our Artist of the Month. This month, we celebrate Brittany Brydges as September’s Artist of the Month. Brittany is from Riverside, NJ.
Hideaway
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