Falling forward

My young daughter came to the dinner table where I was working, laptop and papers spread out in front of me, and asked me to kiss her stuffed teddy bear good night. My wife came up behind her, patted her on the pajama bottoms, and told her to run upstairs, she would be right behind... Continue Reading →

Saying no to “The Elf on the Shelf” and other traditions

I love the Christmas season for many reasons, but especially because of all the traditions. We decorate our house with a big tree with lights and ornaments that we’ve made or purchased over the years. Each ornament has special meaning. There’s the heart that I gave my wife to commemorate our first Christmas together and... Continue Reading →

Report cards: What not to say

I should have read the room better. If I had, I would have known to keep my mouth shut. My daughter pulled out her elementary school report card. She had been working hard over the past two months after a tough start to the year and sat with me on the sofa excited to see... Continue Reading →

Learning from failure

The teacher walked up and down the aisle handing out magic markers and brightly colored folders like you might find at an office supply store. I got a red one, the girl in front of me got an orange one. It was the first day of school, I was starting the sixth grade, and, of... Continue Reading →

It is what it is

I put my phone down in anger. I find anymore that one quick scroll or skim of social media or the day's news headlines can bring on the bitter taste of anger and sadness. I get frustrated that others can be so close-minded and selfish. I was still seething with anger when my wife, sitting... Continue Reading →

The pain of perfection

I write the first action item on a blank piece of paper. I don't like how the thought looks in black and white so I roll the paper up into a small ball and throw it into the trash can. I start over, I try again. This time I get through two items on my... Continue Reading →

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