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About Jess Howard
Jess Howard is a single mother living in Shawnigan Lake on Vancouver Island. Jess has been writing on her personal blog drowninginkids.com for six years. Having had a few years of bad luck — including her home burning down and the break-up of a 14-year marriage — she is determined to continue to see the positive in everything and find the path to happiness and joy. Jess holds a Bachelors degree in English from the University of Victoria and several diplomas in photography and media from BCIT, but her real education has come from raising four children ages 6, 8, 10 and 12.
Running But Not Running Away
I made a decision earlier this year to evolve. I don't think we are, at our core, capable of really changing. We are who we are. But we can evolve — move forward. Add to our lives and walk away from negative habits, decisions, people — anything...I decided to tackle my list one thing at a time. Running was a close second to giving my marriage a second chance. [Read more]
Early Exit: Thoughts on Suicide
After the suicide of her grandfather, our writer remembers her previous attempts at suicide, and how she came to a place where she can and does talk about it, despite the shame she feels. [Read more]
What the Body Endures
A woman helps her brother to deal with his addiction, then begins to change her own life. [Read more]
Sasquatch Festival Changed Me
Jess Howard heads off somewhat halfheartedly for the Sasquatch Festival at the Gorge in Washington State. There, she discovers what life as a human is really all about. [Read more]
On the Cusp: A Mom’s Thoughts
My oldest daughter is on the cusp of turning 13. In September she will transfer from her sweet little private school classroom to the echoing halls of middle school. This will be her second go-round at public school. The first time she just couldn’t... [Read more]
The Challenges and Acceptance of Raising a Child with a Learning Disability
When my oldest son entered kindergarten, strangers could understand only 15-25% of his speech. He had already been in speech therapy upwards of three times a week for several years. He was diagnosed with Apraxia when he was three years old. [Read more]
Complete
The day my first child was born my life changed. I had no idea that becoming a mother would change my life, shake it to the core. I finally felt whole and happy. As cliché as it sounds, I was complete. Four children and 13 years later I still feel... [Read more]
There’s a New Toothbrush in My Bathroom
There is a new toothbrush in my bathroom. It is the sign of a new lover in my life. A simple instrument that shows such possibility. A small gesture on both our parts that this is something more. This could be real and true and beautiful. There is... [Read more]
Tipping the Balance
I make my living as a waitress. I consider myself a professional. I find it’s a career choice that people are both intrigued and repelled by. The restaurant industry is a strange one. It’s a whole different way of life. It’s not just... [Read more]
An Angel Trying to Come Home
There is a painting hanging in my kitchen. It was given to me by the woman I bought this house from. She was a single mother too. She raised three children in this house. We bonded almost immediately and dealt with most of the sale transaction without... [Read more]
