The Interpreted Rock

 By Stephen C. Schultz Some stories stick with you because they’re beautifully written, but others stay because they make you think differently about life. My daughter Amanda has done both in her contributions to  The Interpreted Rock . From a fresh twist on a classic fairy tale in  Perfectly Wicked , to an insightful look at why bullies shouldn’t get all the attention, to a powerful reflection on  Mental Toughness , her words are equal parts wisdom, warmth, and challenge. You’ll laugh, nod, and maybe see the world a little differently. Come read, and be inspired. As I was reading through my blog the other day, I came across a few articles connected to Amanda. She’s one of those rare souls who’s always seemed older than her years — you know the kind. Driven yet kind, understanding yet grounded, with a quiet maturity that seems to “get it,” whatever it happens to be. As a child, she was both a strong student and a dedicated athlete. She was popular, but never boastfu...

By Stephen C. Schultz Most of the time on The Interpreted Rock , I write about mental health concerns and the kinds of situations families face when life gets complicated. But every now and then, I like to share something a little different, personal stories, fun memories, and even a few lessons I’ve learned the hard way (or the fun way). These moments aren’t just filler; they’re reminders that life is more than challenges and diagnoses, it’s also laughter, connection, and the stories we carry with us. Some of these pieces are just plain fun. Others are tender reflections. A few even come from my kids, who’ve been known to surprise me with their own insights. They’re what’s called evergreen content,  stories that never really “expire” because their meaning doesn’t depend on a certain date or trending topic. You can read them today or five years from now, and they’ll still hold value. Evergreen stories are like old friends, you can come back to them any time for comfort, perspective...