Writing from the Heart with Brian
Think, Laugh, & Cry Each Day
My wife and I have a schedule. She races off in the morning to school. I work from home. We do our own thing and then later in the evening we come back together. We'll sit across from each other, both exhausted, but glad to see each other. We're like many other couples. We'll chat... Continue Reading →
(A version of this post ran on October 2021.) My son stops halfway up our stairs and then turns to come back downstairs. He thanks us for letting him have his friends over for a late-night fire in the yard and chat about music. He lets out a big yawn and comes over to my... Continue Reading →
I tried to be Mr. Cool. Two weekends ago, my wife and I went out to dinner with my brother- and sister-in-law. It was a wonderful dinner with great food and conversation. As we left the restaurant, I knew the sidewalk would be slick. The falling snow had been replaced by an icy sleet. Still,... Continue Reading →
When I was a kid, my mother was a treasure-trove of folksy sayings. When I failed to make the varsity basketball team, she told me to "stop crying over spilled milk. When I was chomping at the bit for Christmas morning, she told me to "hold my horses." Some of her sayings and colloquialisms came... Continue Reading →
One Christmas many years ago, my wife and I struggled on what to get her parents. We wanted to give them something that showed our appreciation for being so kind to us throughout a busy year. We were starting to run out of time. I would ask my wife if she thought of something, she... Continue Reading →
Merry Christmas to you and yours. Peace be with you.
(I first ran a version of this piece on Dec. 25, 2015) The song “Mary, Did You Know” ranks as one of my favorite songs of the season. When I heard the song years ago, it inspired me to imagine in my own words what it must have been like to walk in her shoes.... Continue Reading →
My mom never had the chance to go to college. She never took a Psychology class and she never had a chance to sit in on a seminar on “how to win friends and influence others.” She grew up on an Amish farm and was forced to quit school after the eighth grade. Despite her... Continue Reading →
(A version of this story ran in December 2023) My wife asked me to go with her to a craft store to look at some Christmas decorations. For a lot of guys, this could've been torture. I try to take a longer view. My wife gets to shop and get decorating ideas, while I get... Continue Reading →
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