I find it helps to remember that I have two choices at Christmas. I can approach Christmas morning with the image of Mary and Joseph and the baby Jesus resting together after a busy night. I think of their long journey full of obstacles. I imagine them tired, but thankful and filled with love, hope,... Continue Reading →
Christmas Joy
When my three kids were young, Christmas Morning was about all the normal things: Santa Claus and his reindeer; presents under the tree; and ripping the wrapping paper and playing with all their new toys. As a parent we tried to teach them about giving and sharing. We worried about them getting the true meaning... Continue Reading →
The baby’s heart beat
(I first ran this story in 2017. My babies are grown now. But, I've never stopped worrying about them.) Last week when I was rifling through a box in our basement, I found an old calendar. I started to push it aside, but something caught my eye. My wife must have had an appointment with... Continue Reading →
Christmas Peace
Late last year, my wife and I sat in front of our Christmas tree. The lights in the house and the television were turned off. There was no music. We just sat and stared at the tree. It was still a few days before Christmas. My wife had to get up early the next day... Continue Reading →
Christmas Hope
When I was a kid and late November turned into December, my sleeping patterns took a turn for the worse. I would go to bed and toss and turn thinking about Christmas. The big day would still be weeks away, it didn't matter. I would dream of the joy of Christmas morning. I imagined playing... Continue Reading →
A peaceful Thanksgiving
A few weeks ago I went for a walk and saw this guy. I'm not much of a bird guy, but I believe he's a Great Blue Heron. They're found along freshwater and saltwater, including lakes, rivers, streams, marshes, and the ocean coastline. They can sit still for hours in shallow water while they hunt... Continue Reading →
Making it home
I'm happy this time of year. Oh, Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays, but it's more than that. I love families coming together. I love that college students start coming back to the nest today and later next week. My son, our youngest, will arrive home later this evening. I probably won't see him... Continue Reading →
Celebrating in style!
I looked down at the floor. I took note of the curve of the tile. My wife would say something. I would grunt a yes or no back. I would look up occasionally, but I wasn't really sure where to focus. We were waiting in line to make our way into the funeral viewing for... Continue Reading →
A small act, a big impact
(I first ran this piece in November 2016. Volunteering never goes out of style.) The husband and wife couldn’t have been more grateful. The woman asked if we wanted something to drink or eat. I told her that I was fine and got right to work. A large group of coworkers and I were helping... Continue Reading →

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