I ran this story in October 2016. My son was 12 years old and complaining about life's demands. It's interesting to look back on our conversation. He's a senior in college now. I doubt he'd want to go back in time. Funny though. I'd go back in a heartbeat -- just to see him at... Continue Reading →
Ghosts of parenting past
I was walking recently on a trail near our house. It swings around the local middle school tennis courts, baseball diamonds, and football fields. At one point, I stopped on the path and listened. There was a light rain and I was alone on the trail. In the mist, I thought I heard the crack... Continue Reading →
Kids and their toys
Sometimes I wish I was a kid again. Oh, I'm not saying kids have it easier today, because I don't think they do. They have it rough. They face poverty and hunger. According to UNICEF, around 333 million children live in extreme poverty. They face societal pressures and bullying and depression too. It's a tough time to be... Continue Reading →
The other side of the coin
When I was a kid, my dad used to carry a small, red squeeze change purse. You don't see many adults carry these around much anymore. I guess he didn't like the loose change in his pockets. At the end of the day, he would routinely go through his change and give me his extra... Continue Reading →
Do it again Daddy!
I push my cart in the grocery store. I'm looking over the oranges and second-guess myself, "Did my wife say to pick up oranges or bananas?" I look down at my phone and consider sending her a text. And then I hear it. A little girl of about 4 or 5 cries out "Daddy!” I... Continue Reading →
Survivor: The Parenting Edition
The U.S. television show Survivor first premiered on CBS in May 2000. The show places a group of people in an isolated location, where they must provide food, fire, and shelter for themselves. The contestants compete in physical, mental, and emotional challenges. They're progressively eliminated from the game until only two or three remain. The... Continue Reading →
A brave new world
It's that time of year. Local high school kids are celebrating their graduations. Every time I look on social media the past week or so I keep coming across graduation pictures. There's one of a mom and dad and the man or woman of the hour. Gotta get one in there too of grandma or... Continue Reading →
Living with Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
(I ran version of this story in July 2016. I've updated and made a few changes to the piece.) When I was young kid, I loved to watch my dad carve an old sea captain or a duck from a block of wood. Or maybe a hound dog or grizzly bear. He carved anything that... Continue Reading →
A boy and his toys
I cranked the red launcher. I revved it as fast and as far as it would go. The seven-inch tall Evel Knievel on his red, white, and blue stunt cycle flew across the porch and onto the ramp. I had created the ramp using an old piece of wood that I had "borrowed" from my... Continue Reading →

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