Life has been feeling like a lot, hasn’t it? There’s so much going on in our cities, states, and countries. We are feeling the pain of countries on the other side of this planet we are all living on.

Like many who experienced childhood trauma, I'm slow to trust and accept kindness and love. I've also been kinder toward others than toward myself. But two extraordinary beings changed that — my dogs, Twig and Cash.

During my summer trip to France this year, I decided to visit the Normandy beaches. Being a World War II buff, I was very excited to see firsthand the place where one of the most momentous days of the 20th century unfolded.