I write today because I believe an absence of words in this conversation I've hosted for nine years might convey a message of apathy I don't intend. But I've wrestled with whether my thoughts would add substance or noise to a conversation our country so desperately needs and in which others have so passionately participated. [...]
The Joseph I know earned his dream coat with astounding resiliency and an easy charm. We picked that cap and gown up the second it was available and he popped them on his head and around his shoulders immediately, then strutted around our neighborhood. "I can't believe I graduated," he said repeatedly throughout the following [...]
Howie Hahn made a careful U-turn on his trusty bike and swung over to visit us as we sat in the cool shade of our front porch a few days ago. At 80-years old, he bikes for amusement more than sport, though he said he does enjoy the exercise. Howie also still occupies himself as [...]
Blessings on this Memorial Day, America! It's been a challenging few months and you might be wondering how we'd celebrate this particular holiday with no parades, glib sales or cemetary ceremonies. Maybe you thought our face masks would muffle our annual regard. Well, take heart because not even a simmering global pandemic can diminish what [...]
On the Friday before prom several years ago, I remember welling up a little as I wrapped up the high school journalism class I taught. "Have fun this weekend," I told them. "But, make good decisions. As the roll call sergeant on Hills Street Blues used to say, 'Let's be careful out there.'" I worried [...]
