"Back to School" – a phrase that inspires mixed emotions to many of us. The impending end of summer... the excitement of rekindling friendships... even the scent of stationary materials like pencils and erasers. Back to school can signify many things. However, as a parent, it takes on an even deeper meaning. We recently had to let this kid enter the world of public schooling as he began kindergarten earlier in the month. I know his mom wasn't ready for it, and to be honest, I'm not sure I was either. But time moves forward whether we are prepared for it or not. And one of the most difficult things for any parent is accepting that their "baby" is growing up. Obviously, it was important for Er
It's not every day that you get to meet a true hero. On Sunday, September 9, I did. Puerto Rican native Emmanuel (Manny) Melendez-Diaz nearly lost his life serving our country in Operation Iraqi Freedom. However, the battle for Manny only began in 2004 when a bomb exploded near him in Iraq. Manny not only lost his right leg, but he also underwent intestinal replacement surgery, something to Manny's knowledge is the only successful case in history. And as difficult of a situation as it is for Manny, he wishes only to thank his organ donor's family, for his new intestine was the gift from a child, an 8-year-old who unexpectedly passed away. Manny still endures other complications from his inju
