Patti Carmalt-Vener
Stories by Patti Carmalt-Vener
Nobody's perfect
Poor body image can lead to problems elsewhere in life
The illustrated son
Mental health can’t be measured by the amount of ink a person puts on their body
Secret sharer
Take stock and recognize the beauty that lies within
Healthy anger, steadfast love
Helping hands
Empathy, acceptance, respect and love are what depressed loved ones need
The parenting grandparent
Tragedy presents new challenges to a baby and his single grandpa
'The Grumpy Bear Chair'
Very young kids need guidance — not punishment — for acting out emotions
Letting go
Insist on being with someone who loves only you
Pain killers
Suicides are sometimes the result of misplaced pain, rage or guilt
Inner visions
Letting your wise inner self show you something beautiful
Transferring pain
Letting negative feelings for some spill over into relationships with others
When it comes to addiction, never give up hope
The deepest pain
Just being there is sometimes enough to console grieving parents
Tough choices
Try some hard truth when being scared just isn’t enough