My daughter and I started a herb garden. At seven years of age, my daughter is fascinated by wildlife and plants, enjoys being outdoors, and is constantly picking flowers from my gardens.  She has a deep love for nature, and I want to help her nurture that love.

Sadly, the news is too familiar of late.  Another suicide of a child in foster care. This time, Giulianna Ramos Bermudez, 16, was found dead in her bedroom closet at an Orlando group home on June 29 of this year.  She was found in her bedroom in the Florida group home she lived in.  Authorities said Bermudez killed herself on by tying a belt around her neck.

For most teenagers in America, turning 18 years old is an exciting time.   High school graduation is right around the corner, and the possibilities of college or an exciting career are on the horizon.  A sense of independence often fills the young adult with confidence and enthusiasm.   To be sure, it is often seen as a rite of passage into adulthood.

As a parent of three teenagers who are in college or are ready to begin that journey, our home is often filled with the discussion of possible career paths and what college degree might be best for each path.  While all of these discussions are certainly healthy, and full of curiosity and excitement for each child, the parent in me wants to consider these discussions on another level.   College is not getting any cheaper, and in fact, some colleges and their degrees are staggeringly expensive and quite simply, out of reach for my children and my family.