My driver’s license said I was 26, but I was a kid myself—completely out of my depth." A late-night hospital encounter with a wise nurse offered a six-word piece of advice that took decades to fully understand.
Buckle Yourself In & Enjoy the Ride
The Weekly Habit that Keeps Me Out of the Doghouse!
(A version of this story appeared on The Heart of The Matter on April 12, 2023.) I wrote the date at the top, folded the paper, and slid it into an envelope. Some weeks I’m good at this; some weeks, not so much. For the past 17 years, I’ve written my wife a short note every Wednesday.... Continue Reading →
The Time Machine in the Mailbox
A trip to the mailbox turned into a journey through a space-time continuum. Flipping through a surprise Christmas catalog brought back vivid memories of Thanksgiving turkey, my dad at the kitchen table, and studying the 5-pound Sears Wish Book. A brief, wonderful detour to Neverland. Who's with me?
Rock-a-bye Baby
(A version of this story appeared on The Heart of The Matter on December 15, 2023.) My wife and I rolled over at the same time. Our baby daughter was crying from her room. We were both tired, but I offered to go get her. You would have thought I told my wife that she... Continue Reading →
The Ten-Minute Tragedy of a One-Year-Old Bulldog
When my wife left the room for a quick shower, our son's bulldog went from pure bliss to total despair in seconds. I consider myself a decent guy, but in Panzer's eyes, I was worse than nobody—I was Option B. A comedic look at life as the backup human.
Where The Good Comes From
From a late-night work project to a handwritten note, the instincts to anticipate what people need didn't start with me. A birthday tribute to the woman who modeled effort and empathy every day.
Somewhere Over Pennsylvania
Crammed in my small plane seat on the way home, the message was short and direct. And yet the finality still hit hard, the words "passed away" gliding in and out of my thoughts like the plane soaring left and right, making its return home.
Drooling With Envy at Today’s Toys
From Evel Knievel stunt bikes and Pong to life-sized monster trucks, 300-foot roller coasters, and 28 mph e-bikes—a look at why today’s hyper-engineered toys make me drool with pure nostalgia envy.
Carving My Own Path
Watching my father turn rough wood into detailed sculptures with a pocketknife taught me the art of patience. I never mastered his sharp tools, but I found my own chisel in the pen—carving out words to find my voice and build my world.
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