MSI Press Blog

  Precerpt from  Raising God’s Rainbow Makers (Mahlou) The Braces, the Toe, and the Truth-Teller Noelle had waited a long time to stand. Not metaphorically—she had always stood tall in spirit—but physically, upright and proud, outside the confines of her stroller. At age four, after a series of surgeries and setbacks, she was finally fitted with long-leg braces. They gleamed like armor to her, not as a symbol of limitation, but of triumph. We celebrated at McDonald’s. She stood in line with the rest of us, her braces clicking gently with each shift of weight. Then she noticed a woman across the restaurant, staring—not cruelly, just curiously. Noelle caught her gaze and lit up. “Hi, lady!” she chirped, as if greeting an old friend. “You like my braces?” The woman blinked, startled. “Oh—yes,” she managed. “I’m so, so happy to have them,” Noelle said, beaming. “I waited a really long time.” And just like that, the woman relaxed. Noelle’s matter-of-fact joy had disarmed her. They ...

  Precerpt from Raising God’s Rainbow Makers (Mahlou) There was a gate agent. She called for staff. Once, twice—again. But no one came. The wheelchair sat waiting like a forgotten promise. Time ticked down. Our connection was slipping away. I pushed for her to let me push the chair, but that was against policy (likely liability concerns). I explained: Doah couldn’t walk the distance between gates although I think no explanation was necessary. She could see that he physically wouldn’t make it. He’s 4'7", with a short stride and a very, very, very narrow trachea. He tuckers out easily. We never plan on walking unless the gates are side by side. These were a quarter mile apart. She called again, checking her watch. Nada, nothing, no help. Finally, she nodded, “Okay. You can push.” With very little time left to make our next leg, I loaded my carryon onto Doah’s lap, strapped his bag to the back of the chair, and took the handles like a woman on a mission. We flew. Not just mo...

  Precerpt (excerpt from book prior to publication):  Raising God's Rainbow Makers  (Mahlou) Naming the Rainbow 🌈 Raising God’s Rainbow Makers Names carry stories. Sometimes they arrive like heirlooms, passed down with love and legacy. Other times, they tumble in unexpectedly—through tears, toddler protests, or the joyful shout of a neighbor boy. For our four, each name came with its own twist of grace. Lizzie was easy. She was named after me and my mother. Isn’t that what you do with a first child? You reach back, honor the women who shaped you, and hope the name carries strength forward. Noelle was more complicated. Her original name was Anemone —until we told Lizzie. She burst into tears. “No, not that name!” she cried. “Why?” we asked. “Because I can’t say it!” So we gave her the chance to choose. Lizzie loves Christmas. She chose Noelle . We called the state and changed the birth certificate. Sometimes the best names come from the heart of a big sister. Shane be...

  Precerpt (excerpt from book prior to publication):  Raising God's Rainbow Makers  (Mahlou) Doah was a surprise (well, so were the other three) who quite fortuitously was predicted to be born in Pittsburgh, PA around Christmas Day 1977 -- semester break from my studies at near-by Renboro University. However, it was my grandson, Nathaniel, who ended up being born on Christmas day. Doah was born quite early, messing up both my teaching schedule and studies (and creating quite a lot of subsequent havoc due to all his medical issues -- 30 years later, he is still creating havoc, mostly due to his overly inquisitive and highly extroverted nature, coupled with some serious mental challenges). I don't remember all my labors, but I do remember Doah's. I went into labor while teaching a foreign language class! I managed to make it through the class (my stubborn nature, which does not always serve me well) and asked one of the students in the "college over 60" program to s...