Coles Crossing

Sara Parker

Successful Author Scripts a Life of Challenges as a Single Parent of Four

By Patricia Hudson

Editor’s Note: What a delight it is to feature fascinating individuals from our Cypress communities. It took some encouragement to convince Sara Parker, an amazing mother, teacher, author and woman of faith to share her story. Where did you begin your life?

I’m originally from Maryland and moved to Fairfield with my then-husband in 2006. My sons, Kai and Noah, were toddlers at the time. Before the move, I flew out for a weekend of house hunting with my parents and fell in love with Fairfield—plenty of pocket parks for the kids, ducks to feed at the lakes, and swimming pools to help release some of the kids’ energy during the hottest summer months. We’ve been here ever since.

What are some of your best memories growing up?

I am the youngest of five kids, and I grew up in a close-knit family, so I have a lot of fond memories from my childhood, but the most memorable time period was the three years we spent in Thailand. We’d been transferred there due to my dad’s job, and even though I was young, I vividly remember a lot about that time in my life. Seeing a new country, learning a new culture, and experiencing new sights, foods and celebrations gave me a deeper appreciation for the vast beauty in the world, and I believe it also sparked my love for traveling and adventure. If high school friends were to describe you, what adjectives would they enlist?

In high school, I wasn’t a great student, with the exception of English classes. Most of my energy revolved around social activities. I was the piano accompanist in the drama club and worked with the cast at every rehearsal and performance. I was also a peer helper, meeting with students in the guidance counselor’s office for mentorship. I think my friends would have described me as creative and sensitive. That hasn’t changed much!

As a child, I thought that I would grow up to be… A writer. I have loved writing for as long as I can remember. I like the freedom and creativity of putting thoughts and ideas on paper—and the ability to edit and revise until I feel like I’m ready to share. I don’t love speaking as much because once the words are out there, I can’t change them or erase them.

What did you study in college? Degree?

BA in Journalism, University of Maryland at College Park; MA in Writing, Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore.

When/where did you begin teaching?

I started teaching in 2016 as an adjunct English instructor at Lone Star College. I had been a stay-at-home-mom, piano teacher and freelance writer for about a decade, and I finally drummed up enough courage to test the waters with teaching, something I’d wanted to try for a long time. I knew after teaching my first class that I loved it, so I continued to teach a class or two each semester. Then in 2019, my marriage ended suddenly, and I found myself in the position of needing a full-time job fast. I began teaching 9th grade English in CFISD in August of that year while simultaneously earning my teaching certificate. Yes, I started teaching during the first COVID school year. That said, I don’t believe my teaching experience was normal, and I ended up leaving the field in December 2021.

How do you encourage your students to write?

The difference maker seems to be offering constructive feedbac k and encouraging revisions and even rewrites. When students see their

Rayne, Aaliyah

Photo Credit: Kelley Sweet Photography

Noah, Sara, Kai

Photo Credit: Kelley Sweet Photography

writing improve over time, their confidence grows, and they start to retain more instruction—which makes them even stronger writers.

You are a successful writer. How did this come about? How did you decide on the genre?

I wrote a lot of personal essays and poetry as a teen. One day, I discovered a Writer’s Digest reference book at a bookstore, and my mom bought it for me. I pored over it, learned about the business of freelance writing, and began submitting to magazine editors when I was in 8th grade. When my first personal essay was published in a small Christian magazine for teenagers, I was hooked. I gravitate toward creative nonfiction and journalism rather than fiction and spent many years as a freelance writer for various magazines and newspapers.

However, I do also write fiction and have written four books for Harper Collins’ Love Inspired Suspense line. I got my start in fiction through an online contest where I entered a chatroom with a Harlequin editor and submitted a 100-word pitch. I was supposed to have written the book, but all I had was a vague idea of a romantic suspense that would take place on a cruise ship. The editor liked the idea, and I spent the next several agonizing months figuring out how to make the story work. All the effort paid off when I saw my book on the shelf at Walmart and online at Amazon. I wrote three more books for the line but pressed pause on writing when my marriage ended and I embarked on fulltime work as a single parent. I started writing again this year. I’m experimenting with a few genres: memoir, historical fiction and sweet romance.

What advice would you give to budding writers?

The hardest part about writing is staring at the blank page. Just write. Set a timer for five minutes, then 10. See what happens. Something that has also helped me is finding community with other writers. I recently joined WriteSpace, which is based in Houston and offers online writing classes, open mic events, and other resources for writers. It’s inspiring to spen d time with other aspiring writers and learn from one another.

You are a woman of faith. What role did your faith play in adopting your children? How did this come about?

While I do believe that God led every step of the way for our adoptions, the truth is I just wanted to be a mom.

Before we were married, my husband and I had planned to adopt one day, so when we struggled with infertility, we

decided to pursue adoption first and IVF later. The process was not as simple as we’d imagined, and we hit so many roadblocks that we came to a point when we thought we were out of options. Then one day my sister told me of a newspaper article she’d read about adoptions from Ethiopia. After doing some research, it was clear this was the next step for us.

We adopted our sons, Kai and Noah, in 2006 at ages two years and 11 months, respectively. We traveled to Ethiopia to complete the adoption, and we developed a connection with the country and culture that stayed with us when we returned to the States. So later, when we were ready to expand our family again, we didn’t even consider IVF. We knew we wanted to go back to Ethiopia. In 2010, we adopted Rayne and Aaliyah, identical twin sisters who were three years old when we brought them home.

To continue reading the interview with Sara Parker, please go to our website at bestofcyfair.com

If you know of an exceptional Greater Fairfield, Bridgeland/Blackhorse Ranch, Towne Lake, Coles Crossing, or Cypress Creek Lakes individual or family that needs to be featured in an upcoming issue of PinPointe Magazine, please contact me: texasteacher024@outlook.com.

Photo Credit: Kelley Sweet Photography

Canine Corner

Meet Bailey and her best buddy Jax. This beautiful bonded 9-year-old pair was recently surrendered when their owner took a new job and is now traveling frequently. These guys have been together since they were pups and seem to really love each other and snuggle up together in a puppy pile. They are happy and seem well adjusted, even after this recent upset and relocation.

Linné Girouard, President of All Texas Dachshund Rescue, Inc., explains, “The best possible outcome for these sweet babies would be to find a calm and quiet place to call their own, where someone would be around a lot and benefit from the excellent company that these guys can be! They enjoy couch time and snuggle time and occasionally, some walk time or yard time! They are learning the doggie door

By Patricia Hudson and Sophia Hudson, the Rescue Yorkiepoo

as well in the foster home and don't mind piling up together in the kennel at night.”

All Texas Dachshund Rescue, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is made up of volunteers who rescue, rehabilitate and re-home disabled and otherwise endangered Dachshunds throughout the state of Texas. All are spayed or neutered, have had all vaccines updated, are heartworm negative, are on heartworm preventative, and have had all other health issues considered important to the pet’s life addressed. Financial and educational assistance for the purchase and use of necessary medical equipment such as wheel chairs (carts), sanctuary and adoption services for disabled Dachshunds at risk of destruction due to their disabilities are provided, as needed.

“MOM, WE ARE ON LOCKDOWN AND I’M SCARED.”

Parenting has always been hard... but why does it feel SOOO hard right now?

By Allison Okuneye

I know that parenting has been difficult for EVERY generation. The struggles may have looked different, but the stress has always existed. Am I the only parent that feels like this period of time is different. Now, I want to fully acknowledge that these are my thoughts and feelings and opinion after a week of school where there were multiple threats at your kids school, many hours of lockdown with no answers, and then we wake up the next day to do it all again.

I recognize that my experience in this period in time is in NO way an attempt at diminishing the struggles of past generations, and I also know that my experience as a white, suburban mom does NOT compare with the struggles that women of color experience daily.

I think that all of us can agree that the feeling of utter hopelessness when you receive word that there has been a credible threat to your child's safety when they are at school shakes all of us to our core.

I have distinct memories as a kid doing tornado drills in the hallway, sitting quietly on the floor or under our desks

in a classroom thinking...I'm glad this kind of stuff NEVER happens because that would be scary.

Fast forward to today, our kids going through active shooter drills knowing full well that this DOES happen in schools across our country every day. I just don't know how you manage that as a parent! The added stress and anxiety that alone can give your kids, what that must do to their minds, and how can we provide comfort to them when there is really nothing WE could do to keep them safe in that situation?

This has been heavy on my heart this week, and I know I can't be the only parent struggling. I can't tell you how much I wish there was a "Top 5 things to do" list for this situation but unfortunately I do not have the answers. Just know that as a fellow parent, you are not alone in those feelings, it's ok to feel overwhelmed and helpless. If we are lucky, we get to wake back up and do it again tomorrow. **insert sarcasm**

Questions? Thoughts? Feels? Contact Allison @ dkdesignheadwear@gmail.com

TEENAGER

Where daily bomb threats are just a cause for eye rolls.

Where all nighters are normalized, and being tired is just our state of being.

The life where if we don't post about it, we aren't really living at all.

Where first impressions are over instagram pages and first conversations are held with a phone in hand.

Our feelings of being wanted only fulfilled by follow requests, and cutting people off only counts through the block button.

You see us in real life watching others' lives online.

By Nadiah Okuneye Photo by Anthem Art Photography

Only feeling accepted through college letters,

Our knowledge only exists on scantrons.

Wanting to be remembered by someone.

Wanting to be someone worth remembering.

Wanting to be something to someone so bad that we can't even be ourselves.

Cypress

HAPPENINGS

Cy-Fair Home & Outdoor Living Show

Saturday, March 25, 2023 • 9am-6pm

Saturday, March 26, 2023 • 10am-5pm

Berry Center • 8877 Barker Cypress Rd. • Cypress, TX 77433

The Annual Cy-Fair Home and Garden Show is the first event of its kind in the Cy-Fair area and features appearances of some of the top names in home and gardening and over 100 exhibitors with the latest in home products and services on the market. Hottest Remodeling, New Home-Products and Services on view at the Cy-Fair Home & Garden Show!

www.texwoodshows.com/live-shows/cyfair-show/

Facebook Class

Tuesday, March 28, 2023 • 10:30am-12:30pm

Richard and Meg Weekley Community Center 8440 Greenhouse Rd. • Cypress, TX 77433

Learn how to navigate a Facebook account. Facebook is a large social networking site, and learning the basics can help you stay in touch with relatives, or rekindle old friendships. Bring your device with you for this live demonstration with Harris County IT Specialist Michelle Richardson. Registration is required. For more information, call 713-274-3161 or visit http://hcp4.net/weekley.

3rd Annual Mental Health Heroes Classic

Wednesday, March 29, 2023 • Noon (10am Registration Opens)

Gleannloch Pines Golf Club

19393 Champion Forest Drive • Spring, Texas 77379

Join us for a fun day of golf and support Shield Bearer Counseling Centers! Register by March 17 at shieldbearer.org.

Easter Egg Hunt

Saturday, April 1, 2023 • 10am-1pm

The Foundry Church • 8350 Jones Rd. • Houston, TX 77065

The Cypress Market @ Cy-Hope

VIP Event: Friday, April 28, 2023 • 6:30-9:30pm $20 entry

Open to Public: Saturday, April 28, 2023 • 6:30-9:30pm

Sunday, April 29, 2023 9am-4pm

Cy-Hope • 12715 Telge Rd. • Cypress, TX 77429

Artisan Vendor Shopping, Live Music, Food to Purchase, Wine Pull, Silent Auction, and MORE! Visit cy-hope.org for VIP Tickets.

10th Annual CFISD Superintendent’s Fun Run

Saturday, May 1, 2023

Berry Center • 8877 Barker Cypress Rd. • Cypress, TX 77433

Proceeds from the Superintendent’s Fun Run benefit the Cy-Fair Educational Foundation (CFEF), which awards student scholarships and staff development grants, directly benefitting our CFISD community. Register at: www.cfisd.net/funrun

For more local events visit: www.bestofcyfair.com And follow us on facebook: Pinpointe Magazines - Cypress

Grato Italian Restaurant PLACES T O EAT The Best of Cy-Fair

By Patricia Hudson

Billed as “A Family Friendly Italian Restaurant with great prices and atmosphere,” Grato Italian Restaurant is a welcome addition to the Cypress area. Since opening in October in a small strip shopping center at Fry and FM529, this humble little restaurant has acquired quite a following. “I’ve been to many Italian restaurants in our area and let me tell you, there are not any better than Grato,” asserts Tony Krzyzanowski, a frequent customer. A family run business, customers like Teri Norton are quick to compliment “the friendly staff, authentic freshly prepared cuisine, and ample serving portions.”

From the Artichoke and Spinach Dip to the Pasta Alfredo, to the Tiramisu, Grato, (which means “gratitude” or “thankful” in Italian), offers an impressive variety of Italian fare. Pasta dishes paired with chicken, veal, and seafood, calzones, pizzas and sandwiches tempt hungry guests. Choose from an assortment of beer and fine wines. Linda Grape commented on a recent meal. “My

husband’s favorite was the Pasta Trio of manicotti, lasagna and cannelloni. I had the Salmon Piccata and gluten free penne with marinara and a side of mixed vegetables which are always fantastic. All (were) very good. Love the chocolate gelato with whipped cream.”

Tony Krzyzanowski recommends the Chicken Parmesan.

Chicken Parmigiana

“It’s absolutely delicious. The fettuccine Alfredo is amazing as well.”

My personal measure of a quality Italian restaurant is the Eggplant Parmigiana. This one came with a fresh Caesar Salad and a large portion of breaded and perfectly fried eggplant, covered in a delicious marinara and a mound of mozzarella. The remainder of the plate was filled with a generous side of spaghetti. My son selected Chicken Alfredo. There was little conversation as we concentrated on the meal in front of us, relishing each delectable morsel. I would not do the meal justice if I didn’t mention the hot homemade garlic knots that accompanied our order. As others had asserted, I ended up taking a nice portion of eggplant home for the next day. Truth be told, I jumped at the opportunity to tuck several of those garlic knots into my to-go box! My next visit I might just have to save room for something sweet. As Teri Norton says, “Their desserts are divine.”

Grato offers lunch specials Monday through Friday, from 11:00 am - 3:00 pm. Served with your choice of Garden or Caesar salad, (and those amazing garlic knots), the waitstaff is quick to divulge that the lunch portions are as generous as the dinner entrees and reasonably priced. Pizza by the slice is offered only at lunch. Have a business luncheon or a family event coming up? Consider letting Grato handle your catering needs.

Grato Italian Restaurant

20503 FM 529 • Cypress, TX 77433 (346) 220-0937 • italianrestaurantgrato@gmail.com

Hours of Operation

Sunday: 11:00 am - 8:00 pm

Monday – Thursday: 11:00 am - 9:00 pm Friday – Saturday: 11:00 am - 9:30 pm

Lunch Time: 11:00 am - 3:00 pm daily

Salmon Piccata over Penne

Red Snapper Florentine

Houston Northwest Chamber of Commerce Holds Ribbon Cutting for Kelsey-Seybold’s

New Fairfield Clinic

The Houston Northwest Chamber of Commerce welcomed the new Kelsey-Seybold Clinic – Fairfield to the business community with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Feb. 14. Located off Hwy US 290 and Mueschke Road, 4 miles southwest of the Grand Parkway, Fairfield Clinic provides primary care for adults and children, on-site lab services, and easy access to specialist care at Kelsey-Seybold’s nearby Cypress clinic and other locations.

Adriana Gonzalez, M.D., Fairfield Clinic’s managing physician, cut the ribbon on behalf of the clinic. Chamber members, including President and CEO Bobby Lieb, were greeted by Clinic Administrator Holly Collins, who led a tour of the new 22,500-squarefoot clinic.

Fairfield Clinic joins Kelsey-Seybold’s nearby Cypress Clinic as the second location in the Cypress area. The two clinics are approximately 8 miles apart. Fairfield Clinic expands convenient, high-quality healthcare to the residents of Fairfield and surrounding communities.

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Constipation

Constipation isn’t something most people talk about, but about 16% of American adults experience it regularly. The condition is even more common among adults 60 and older.

An occasional case of constipation is normal. It can be the simple result of long travel, illness, or pregnancy. Constipation can also be a result of taking certain medications, like antidepressants and pain medic ations. Lifestyle habits also contribute to your bowel situation.

If you live in the Greater Houston area and are struggling with constipation, seek care from our expert at GastroDoxs. Dr. Bharat Pothuri can help you manage your symptoms or ease its frequency.

We can also evaluate your symptoms to make sure constipation is not a sign of a more serious medical condition. Don’t just accept constipation as a normal state; here’s why you should set up an appointment today

Definition of Constipation

When you have difficulty passing stools, you have constipation, defined as:

•Having fewer than three bowel movements a week

•Difficulty passing a bowel movement and a sense of not being “done”

•Firm, dry bowel movements, even if you have them frequently

If your bowel movements are soft, easy to pass, and leave you feeling “empty,” you have healthy bowel habits. It’s OK if you don’t poop every day

Constipation Concerns

Constipation accompanied by rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, and/or unexplained weight loss definitely should not be ignored. Constipation along with these

symptoms could indicate a metabolic disorder, problems with intestinal function, cancer, bowel obstruction, or pelvic prolapse.

Constipation c ould also be a sign of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a common, uncomfortable condition that affects your digestive tract. Many people with IBS have diarrhea, others suffer constipation, and some people have both. You may also have abdominal pain, mucus in your stool, migraines, sleep problems, and fibromyalgia. IBS can’t be cured, but it can be managed with Dr. Pothuri’s care.

Untreated Constipation

Even if constipation isn’t a sign of a larger problem, ignoring it can cause further health problems. You may develop uncomfortable hemorrhoids or tears in the skin around the anus (anal fissures), which result when you strain the skin and muscles of the anus and rectum.

Straining can also cause rectal prolapse. This condition happens when some of your intestinal lining pushes out from your anus. Another serious complication of untreated constipation is fecal impaction, which occurs when hard stool packs the intestine and rectum tightly. Then you’re unable to naturally push out this impacted stool.

Managing Constipation

Your daily habits can be the reason you have constipation. Dr. Pothuri recommends you eat enough fiber, mainly from food like whole grains and vegetables. If you need a fiber supplement, Dr. Pothuri can recommend one for you.

You should also make sure to drink plenty of water and stay active. Even a 20-30 minute daily walk can help keep your bowels moving.

Dr. Pothuri also advises you to pay attention to your body’s signals. Don’t put off using the bathroom when you need to pass stool – this only makes constipation worse. If you make these lifestyle changes, but still struggle with constipation, Dr. Pothuri may recommend you trial mild laxatives. Stool softeners are the best place to begin, as they don’t affect your digestive tract. Rather, stool softeners help your stools absorb more water so they’re easier to pass.

If you’re bothered by constipation, contact Gastro Doxs today to rule out any serious causes at 832.632.4070 or book an appointment with Dr. Pothuri and his team online at gastrodox.com.

Bharat Pothuri, MD, FACG Gastro Doxs

From left: Chamber member Lane Peeler; Bobby Lieb, Chamber president and CEO; Meagan Zeigenbein, senior director of ambulatory clinics, Kelsey-Seybold Clinic; Holly Collins, clinic administrator; Luis Juarez, M.D., Family Medicine; Adriana Gonzalez, M.D., managing physician; Wesley McCreary, P.A.-C., Internal Medicine; Judith Renner, R.N., nursing supervisor; Caroline Okemwa, clinic administrator, Cypress Clinic; Chamber members Harold Hatcher and Zachary Hatcher

Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce Honors Businesses of the Year for 2022

Around

The Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce announced the 2022 Business of the Year winners at the February Chamber Luncheon on Tuesday, February 21, at The Berry Center. Award recipients included:

Small Business of the Year:

Cypress Optique

Medium Business of the Year:

Elite Auto Experts

Large Business of the Year:

Community Impact

Non-Profit Organization: Reach Unlimited

Story by Patricia Hudson

Photo Credit: Genesis Photographers

Community Impact

Reach Unlimited

Cypres Boutique

Elite Auto Experts

CYPRESS SCHOOL NEWS

Source: CFISD News Media

Livestock Show and Sale Generates More than $760,000 for Projects

The 29th Annual CFISD Livestock Show Association Show and Sale, held Feb. 2-4 at the CFISD Exhibit Center, had a record-breaking year due to the incredible generosity from the CFISD community through the live auction, with no exhibits in the last third of the sale selling for less than $1,500. CFISD community members also came through by showing their support of our sales happening outside of the live auction.

Unofficial totals indicate this year’s sale raised more than $760,000. The premium sale (live auction) raised $505,450, an increase of $75,150 from the 2022 sale. Final amounts from the freezer sale (animals not placing high enough for the live auction) totaled $146,126. The agriculture mechanics and horticulture silent auction raised $28.051.48, and $11,406 was awarded through royalty scholarships and cash prizes. Monetary donations and t-shirt sales are still being tabulated. In addition, two new champion sale records were set for Grand Champion Goat and Grand Champion

Horticulture. Houston Stainless & Alloys LLC paid $17,000 for the Grand Champion Goat exhibited by Blake Wells from Cypress Ranch High School. Cypress Signs & Graphics paid $6,500 for the Grand Champion Horticulture project by Sophie Gunderson from Cypress Woods High School.

Prior to the premium sale, CFISD officially dedicated the Mike & Darlene Jarrar Arena in the CFISD Exhibit Center. Jarrar & Company Inc. was recognized as the event’s volume buyer for the 15th time in the 17 years the award has been presented. A portrait of Mike and Darlene Jarrar was unveiled before the premium sale, recognizing the family’s decades of support for CFISD students.

Cypress Ranch High School senior Faith Smith had the Grand Champion Steer at the CFISD Livestock Show Association Show and Sale, which sold for $30,000 to Jarrar & Company Inc., Lone Star Chevrolet and Houston Area Chevrolet Dealers

College Knowledge Night Draws Record Crowd to Berry Center

CFISD’s office of advanced academics welcomed more than 3,8000 visitors to its College Knowledge Night on Jan. 31 at the Berry Center.

The event was open to current CFISD eighth through 11th grade students and started with a college fair featuring a number of colleges and universities most frequently attended by district graduates. The record crowd was more than four times the number from past events.

After the fair, students and families were invited to attend numerous sessions covering multiple college topics, including advanced placement and dual credit courses, the College Academy, first-generation students and the NCAA for those hoping to compete in collegiate athletics

Jersey Village High School alumnus Joseph Flores also offered a special presentation, sharing his experience through a non-

traditional pathway to higher education. Following his high school graduation in 2019, Flores attended and graduated from both Lone Star College—CyFair and Rice University.

The event also included representatives from organizations such as the Cy-Fair Federal Credit Union and CFISD elementary schools that provid e scholarship opportunities specifically offered to seniors who are alumni from those campuses.

“We are so appreciative of the overwhelming participation of the CFISD community and their response to the event and thank the attendees for their consideration to the presenters and the college representatives,” said Nickie Kennedy, advanced academics coach. “We are already making plans for next year and look forward to continuing to promote college and career readiness throughout the district.”

Mike and Darlene Jarrar

Faith Smith with Grand Champion Steer