Posts by: Sophia San Filippo

Based in New York City, Sophia San Filippo has worked with Love What Matters as a lead editor and content curator since early 2019 and has acted as Managing Editor since early 2021. She is a Summa Cum Laude graduate of Binghamton University who holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, Creative Writing, and Women, Gender, & Sexuality Studies. She is passionate about personal storytelling and creating a positive space in media to better the lives of others. On a typical day you can find her rocking out at her local concert venue, admiring nature, or baking her latest kitchen experiment.

‘He’s a biter. Will you take him?’ He was dropped off with nothing but the clothes on his back. By the time he left, he called me ‘Mom.’: Single foster mom shares journey, ‘I was made for this’

“He ran from me, crying and frightened. ’What has he been through? What has he seen? Can I do this?’ God sent him to tell me I COULD do this. It’s not an easy calling, but I am living God’s word.”

Sophia San Filippo - Dec 04, 2020

‘We eloped. 3 weeks later, my wife said her stomach was bothering her. ‘I need to call 911! I screamed. Her words became jumbled, her face contorted.’: LGBTQ+ newlywed details sudden journey with stroke, Moyamoya disease

“Her words became jumbled…like she was speaking into a tin can in slow motion. Her face contorted into a shape I will never forget. She’d never been sick, never had health issues. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. We rushed to the hospital. ‘I need to give her a kiss and tell her how much I love her.’ We went from newlyweds to part of a club no one signs up for.”

Sophia San Filippo - Dec 04, 2020

‘I thought people had to be pretty to work here.’ I acted like I wasn’t bothered, but I cried the whole night.’: Woman with psoriatic arthritis says she ‘isn’t defined’ by her condition

“It was no bigger than a penny, but I wasn’t really concerned. Then a customer said, ‘What’s on your face?’ My boss asked if I was okay, and I put on a brave face and acted as if I wasn’t bothered. Neither of us could believe what had just happened.”

Sophia San Filippo - Dec 04, 2020

‘We have an 11-year-old with identity issues. Would you be able to take him in?’ We said yes to 30 days from now. Then we received a call: ‘Can he move in today?’: LGBT couple adopt 4 children from foster care

“‘Am I too young? Am I good enough?’ The fear set in. Soon, he arrived at our house with nothing but two trash bags, his life packed away in them. His shoes were too small, his clothes barely fit. The days of bouncing from home to home would finally be over.”

Sophia San Filippo - Dec 04, 2020

‘Uh, excuse me? What are you doing?’ I noticed my husband taking an empty milk cup out of the dishwasher. It sparked a fight that resulted in days of angry feelings.’: Woman urges ‘never stop trying to understand your partner, the kids are watching’

“I am so glad we had this argument over the milk cup. It wasn’t about the cup of milk.”

Sophia San Filippo - Dec 03, 2020

‘Stop being sad, Heather. People would kill to have what you have.’ You cannot push grief away. It’s going to show it’s face, one way or another.’: Woman reminds us ‘joy and grief can co-exist, even during Christmas’

“Last night, I put up my Christmas tree and cried. It happens every year. For many, many years, I thought I hated Christmas. I’ve come to realize I don’t it. I hate the pressure of trying to hide my grief, for the comfort of others.”

Sophia San Filippo - Dec 03, 2020

To My Nonverbal Child: Our Love Will Never Need Words

“Raising a non-verbal child taught me to communicate with more than mere words and to listen with more than mere ears.”

Sophia San Filippo - Dec 03, 2020

It Isn’t Shallow To Want To Look Beautiful—Until It Steals Your Joy

“I went to take a sip of water and all of it dropped out of my mouth. I looked in the mirror to find half of my face sagging. Paralyzed. My face just stopped working.”

Sophia San Filippo - Dec 03, 2020

‘Your tests came back abnormal.’ I started shaking immediately. It didn’t seem fair. I was terrified of what he’d look like.’: Mom gives birth to baby with Down syndrome, ‘He’s perfect in every way’

“I was hysterical. ‘This can’t be right. I’m 21 years old. I have my whole life in front of me.’ I was afraid it would ruin Christmas. I’ve never cried more in my life.”

Sophia San Filippo - Dec 03, 2020

‘You look so great! How did you do it?’ All of my validations were coming true, but I wasn’t happy OR healthy. I hardly recognized myself.’: Woman recovers from eating disorder, ‘I love my body’

“In sixth grade, I attended my first Weight Watchers meeting. We counted points and bought ‘low-cal’ foods. I never really hated my body. I wanted to be accepted for who I was.”

Sophia San Filippo - Dec 03, 2020