My dad pulled over to the side of the road. I looked over at the instrument panel. Was something wrong? Did he run out of gas? Did we have a flat tire? Why were we stopping? Before I could ask any questions, my dad had already jumped out of the driver's seat and was walking... Continue Reading →
Run, hide or fight
The consultant looked like he had done this before. A few years ago, the company where I worked brought in an expert on active shooter preparedness to talk about how best to respond to workplace violence. The guy had bulging biceps, had spent some time in the special forces, and experience as a criminal profiler.... Continue Reading →
A lesson on leadership
The U.S. celebrates Presidents' Day on Monday. The federal holiday was originally created to recognize President George Washington, but is used now to celebrate all U.S. presidents, past and present. For most people, it’s a three-day holiday. The holiday serves as a great chance to remember some of our bravest, courageous leaders. I couldn't choose a few... Continue Reading →
Honor and courage
Abraham Lincoln created the Medal of Honor 160 years ago on July 12, 1862, to recognize American soldiers (later sailors, Marines, airmen, guardians, and coast guardsmen) who distinguished themselves with acts of valor. The medal of honor is the government's highest and most prestigious military decoration. The award was created in many respects for men... Continue Reading →
A solemn day
Today, I’ll be thinking of United States Marine Cpl. Louis Hauge Jr. He was like many young men of his era. Prior to the start of World War II, he left school early to work first at a cannery in his hometown of Ada, Minnesota and then at a shipyard in Tacoma Washington. While serving... Continue Reading →
Listen closely
I should have listened. Before we even left the house, I saw the weather report calling for the possibility of passing snow squalls. In the car, I heard the radio announcer caution listeners about how the snow was coming down West of us in big, large buckets and was expected to last the rest of... Continue Reading →
Bigger, better, stronger
When I was a gawky kid, whenever I brought home my report card, if I had a B, I immediately wanted a A. If I had a A, I wanted an A-plus. When I ran cross country in high school, if I cut 15 seconds off my 5k time, I wanted to run the exact... Continue Reading →
Thank you Mom!
When Mother's Day rolls around each year, I often find myself thinking of my mother, not as a grown women caring for my brothers and me or, even now, loving life as a grandmother, but instead, I find myself thinking of her as a young girl. In fact, I'm ultimately drawn back to a piece... Continue Reading →
New challenges
I walked into work distracted and annoyed. I had been working for my hometown newspaper for more than a year. I had a million things on my mind. I nearly knocked over one of the press workers that I passed in the hall. Another coworker held a door open for for me and I walked... Continue Reading →

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