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 →
Wiping away the tears
When Dick Vermeil took over coaching the Philadelphia Eagles in 1976, he ran one of the toughest training camps in the league. This was back in the day when NFL coaches ran football training camps like boot camp. The Eagles would practice in pads and equipment for hours at a time two or three times... Continue Reading →
Solid as a rock
I skimmed a story the other day that offered gift ideas for loved ones. The article listed all the normal presents: flowers; jewelry; chocolate, and experiences like massages or weekends away. When I saw the list, I was shocked that the author neglected to include a run-of-the-mill rock or stone. I considered writing the editor,... Continue Reading →
In one ear and out the other
(A version of this piece first appeared in July 2020.) 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,... Continue Reading →
Seven things I know . . .
I feel a few things in my heart. Here's seven of them: --Despite a sea of hatred . . . Despite all the crummy news . . . Despite all of it, there's lots of good things happening all around us. More children and adults are able to attend school and get a quality education... Continue Reading →
People are crazy
The local television station shares the latest news on its Facebook feed. Of course, the story includes some controversy. I give myself a warning: skip the comments and stick to silly baby, cat, and dog reels. I know what's going to happen, but my curiosity gets the best of me. I take a peek. Someone... Continue Reading →
Thinking of a friend
My wife and I went to a minor league baseball game recently. It was a fun date night. We got a couple of burgers. We shared a soft pretzel. We were both tired when we got home. I unlocked the front door and we paused and looked at each other at the same time before... Continue Reading →
The diagnosis: Live like you were dying
(A version of this story ran in November 2019.) The dentist came into the room with a copy of my dental x-ray in his hand. He gave me a big smile that actually made me more nervous and went out of his way to promote the benefits of the practice’s 360-degree panoramic x-ray machine. He... Continue Reading →
Fighting the good fight
I've had a few challenges in recent weeks. It's been nothing earth-shattering, just the usual work and home highs and lows that we all face. For whatever reason, I was getting a little down in the dumps the other day. My breaking point came as I was looking over several bills that came in the... Continue Reading →

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