Reader essays

Rising above disabilities, student thrives at Elmhurst College

After the lecture, I quickly raise my hand to go first in the presentations. Maneuvering my way to the front, I deliver my speech flawlessly. If I don't demand excellence out of myself, who will? 

Asperger's diagnosis in hand, Chicago family finds 'perfection'

Were we devastated by the news that our son has Asperger's? No, not at all. We were relieved.  

Chicago dad says gaming helps him stay closer to his kids

I headed to my local game store to find something everyone could enjoy. What I found was a treasure trove of entertainment. 

Family reluctantly leaves Chicago in pursuit of a dream

From the moment my husband and I met over Frisbee along the lake, we were a Chicago family. But when circumstances changed, we reluctantly packed up our three sons and left the Windy City for an island adventure. 

Chicago mom finally says no more dieting

I don’t want my children to grow up in a home where dieting and food deprivation is an obsession. So after 14 years of serial dieting, I just quit.  

If I wanted my girls to avoid being trapped by the fears that sent me scrambling at the sight of a tiny spider, I had to face those fears. 

Elmhurst family survives, thrives with TV blackout

How I learned an important lesson from an old second-hand piece of wood and a little kid.