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 →
Faith of a child revisited
I ran this story in October 2016. My son was 12 years old and complaining about life's demands. It's interesting to look back on our conversation. He's a senior in college now. I doubt he'd want to go back in time. Funny though. I'd go back in a heartbeat -- just to see him at... Continue Reading →
Trying my best
I put down my pen and take a deep breath. I tried my hardest. I take a moment and look around. I can’t help but wonder if my best was good enough. Did I meet expectations? I think about the people who will be judging me. How will they grade me? I try to read... Continue Reading →
Throwing up a Hail Mary!
(I ran a version of this story in September 2018.) I rolled down my window and let the afternoon sun and wind whip through the car. My day had started miserable and now out of the blue it had turned for the better. As soon as I left my house in the morning, I spilled... Continue Reading →
How I spent my summer vacation
(I first ran this story nine years ago in August 2016 when my kids were much younger. For the first time in years this summer, all five of us got to spend a few weeks together. It was the best. I thought it was a good time to rerun this.) We didn’t get to enjoy... Continue Reading →
Saint Brian!
The alarm ripped me awake from a peaceful sleep. I turned over angry at the intrusion. Vacations are for sleeping in and enjoying yourself. Nonetheless, I had promised my wife that I would get up early and go with her to the beach. She wanted to catch a few pictures of the sunrise. I fought... Continue Reading →
The nine realms of Hell – The Beach Version
I took one step and then another. Each one felt like fiery balls of flames had reached up beneath the sand and scorched the bottom of my feet. The hell with dainty steps. I made a mad dash to the water. I'm sure I pushed up sand on the other people on the beach, but I... Continue Reading →

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