The parallels of gardening and parenting inspired this piece, "Girl with Dahlias." In the past few years, I started growing both ornamental and edible plants in my garden. Gardeners know (or quickly learn) that while plants need nutrient-rich soil to thrive, they also need exposure to the
elements to grow strong roots. Over-watered and coddled plants won’t grow deeper roots to seek water, making them more susceptible to drought. As a parent, I strive to provide a nurturing environment for my children while still giving them space to explore, take risks, and make mistakes. Just like my spring garden, I look forward to seeing my children grow into strong and resilient adults.