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 →
The First Snow!
We had our first snow of the year on Tuesday. The first snow in many cultures is linked to magic, love, and new beginnings. For example, in Korean culture it's believed that witnessing the first snow with someone special can lead to a lasting relationship. The snow wasn't much, not much more than a coating... 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 →
My grateful list for 2025
I started a habit a few years ago of listing out some of the things that I'm grateful for each Thanksgiving. Here's a few of the things on this year's list: --Family members and great friends near and far. --My wife still loves me. Let me repeat that: my wife still loves me. In this... 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 →
The will of the river
A river charts its own path. Like the wind whipping through a valley, rivers go where they want to go. I couldn’t help but notice that the river I was admiring the other took hard right turn. It seemed to almost backtrack. I thought right away of the folksy movie Fried Green Tomatoes. In the movie, Buddy... Continue Reading →
All in a day’s work
When I think back on my dad's heart attack in 1980, I see everything happening in slow motion. My father in a flannel work shirt lying down on the sofa for a nap. My oldest brother rushing to call the local ambulance. My heart pounding with fear of the unknown. The thing that sticks out... Continue Reading →
Standing up to a bully
When I was in middle school, my friends and I were on the football team and raced from class at the other end of the hall to the locker room. We had to get into our football equipment and out onto the field. Our coaches wanted us on time. They didn't want us to be... Continue Reading →
The walk
I want to stay warm. I want to keep sitting at my desk. My heart isn't into it. Gray skies have moved in, the wind has picked up, and the temperature has dipped over the past hour. My heart questions, "Do we have to do this? Is now really the best time?" My brain tells... Continue Reading →

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