Saint Valentine is not just a name synonymous with love and romance, but a figure steeped in history of being a Catholic Saint. The story of St. Valentine has multiple layers—unraveling it takes us through time, from ancient Roman traditions to contemporary celebrations of affection. He is clearly a beloved Saint. Without him, we would not have Valentine’s Day. The Origins of St. Valentine St. Valentine is believed to have been a priest or bishop in the third century AD. This is during the reign of Emperor Claudius II. Claudius had banned marriages for young men, believing that single men…
Author: Jessica Grono
Jessica Grono
Jessica Grono is a special education teacher, public speaker and writer. She is former Ms. Wheelchair Pennsylvania. She plays goalie for Philadelphia Flyers PowerPlay! Jessica is happily married with two children. She has cerebral palsy.
As a teacher, I’ve always believed in the power of stories. Every story has a beginning, a middle, and an end, and some stories are more magical than others. My story with my husband, Jeff, is one of those magical yet interesting tales. How I met my late husband is a different story for another time. It all began on a crisp autumn day, a day like any other. I was caught up in the whirlwind of taking care of Laura, keeping everything going strong at home and completely unaware that my life was about to change forever. After being…
Don’t Cry Over Spilled Milk Day is celebrated on February 11th every year. It’s a quirky reminder for us to embrace the imperfections and unexpected mishaps in our lives with grace and humor. In the grand scheme of things, the little accidents and mistakes we make are not worth the stress and frustration we often assign to them. I never understood why people get angry at children especially when they make even the slightest mistake. Everything will be okay. Remember that you were once a child and how would you like to be treated if you make a mistake. Treat…
In a move that has sparked debate, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to reverse the federal push away from plastic straws. If you ever had to use a paper straw as the only method of drinking, you might be ecstatic. This decision has reignited discussions about environmental policies, consumer preferences, and the broader implications of single-use plastics. I am elated that he brought back plastic straws. Cerebral palsy causes me to not be able to drink very much except by using a straw. Whenever I use a paper straw, the entire straw basically melts or falls apart in…
The Super Bowl, the annual championship game of the National Football League (NFL), has become a cultural phenomenon since its inception in 1967. Here’s a brief history of this iconic event: Origins and Early Years The first Super Bowl, known as the AFL-NFL World Championship Game, was played on January 15, 1967, between the Green Bay Packers and the Kansas City Chiefs. The Packers emerged victorious, setting the stage for what would become an annual tradition A. The Merger and the Name In 1970, the AFL and NFL merged, and the game officially became known as the Super Bowl. The…
In the ever-evolving landscape of education, the transition to virtual teaching has presented both challenges and opportunities. COVID pushed education beyond its expectations into a world of virtual learning. Some children thrived but many didn’t. However, now snow days are turned into FID or Flexible Instruction Day. As a dedicated teacher who values resilience, empathy, and inclusivity, my recent experience of teaching a FID has been nothing short of transformative. Jason has a FID, but they are not online so he was available to help me with the technical end of being online. The teachers send him work through email…
Valentine’s Day—a day to celebrate love and affection—offers the perfect opportunity to express how much your loved ones mean to you. While grand gestures can be thrilling, it’s often the thoughtful, personalized gifts that leave a lasting impression. I love a thoughtful gift over an expense gift any day. One of my favorite gift’s is a pink bear that says, “I love you.” Her name is Ella which is my grandmother’s first name. Here are some favorite Valentine’s Day gifts that are sure to make hearts flutter. 1. Personalized Jewelry Valentine’s Day Gifts A piece of jewelry becomes even more…
There’s something truly magical about sharing the wonders of nature with your child. Birdwatching, in particular, has become a cherished activity for my son and me. When Jason was younger, he liked looking at birds with his grandmother. Last year, Jason asked me for bird feeders and seeds. I thought it would be a fun idea so I did. We enjoyed filling them and seeing what birds visited. One of my favorite activities in the spring, summer, and fall is to sit on my deck to watch the birds. It’s a beautiful way to connect, learn, and appreciate the world…
Easter, the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, is one of the most significant holidays in the Christian calendar. Christmas and Easter are significant to Christianity. Easter is the reason why we have Christianity because Jesus rose from the dead. No other human being has ever done such a thing. However, unlike fixed-date holidays, the date of Easter changes each year. Curious about when Easter will be celebrated? Let’s dive into the details and uncover the factors that determine this joyous holiday’s date. The Date of Easter Easter Sunday is observed on the first Sunday following the first full…
World Cancer Day, observed on February 4th, is a global initiative to raise awareness about cancer, encourage prevention, and support those affected by the disease. This important day serves as a reminder that together, we can make a difference in the fight against cancer. Here’s a closer look at World Cancer Day and how you can get involved: In 2016, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I believed that no way could I get cancer and have cerebral palsy. It just didn’t seem fair. However, the truth is that cancer spares no one. I was a mom of two young…