As a ten-year-old boy, being told that I threw a ball like a girl was the ultimate insult. Adolescents can be cruel with their verbal barbs. For a young pubescent male, doing anything “like a girl” was akin to being called a sissy. But today, a phrase like “Fight Like A Girl” carries a new … Continue reading Fight Like A Girl
Since 1978, the first Sunday after Labor Day has been designated National Grandparents Day. The primary intention being the recognition of the importance of seniors and the contributions they have made. Being a grandfather many times over has proven to be every bit the joy I expected. I agree with one pundit who confessed, “If … Continue reading A Grand Day
On this Father's Day 2020, I thought I might share a reflection about my Dad. A couple of weeks before my Dad passed away in August of 2005, I had the opportunity to sit with him in his hospital room and talk, one-on-one. We talked about his health, about family, and about faith. He … Continue reading The Most Successful Man I Ever Knew
It started as an innocent conversation. One of those typical dialogues a mother might have with an inquisitive, very bright for his age, six-year-old. Answering the first grader’s incessant questions had become a primary role for his parents. Now, as mom worked on getting her hair ready for a rare evening out with her husband, … Continue reading Big Sexy Hair
What is it with children and superheroes? It has become a normal, if not natural part of childhood to become fascinated with mythological caped crusaders who lead exemplary lives, fight evil, and seek to save the world. Who from my generation cannot remember the opening line from a popular television series of the 1950s — … Continue reading A Real Superhero
Time for me to fess up. I have recently been diagnosed with a malady that is becoming increasingly common among people my age. During this pandemic, there is more than one virus with which to be concerned. Apparently, I have been infected by it. It’s called Grand-Sep-A-20 or GSA-20 for short. A few weeks ago, … Continue reading I Am A Poppy And I Am Not OK
Laughter, as one anonymous writer said, is like a windshield wiper. It doesn’t stop the rain but allows us to keep going. Regardless of why or how, dealing with difficult times with humor has always been a hallmark of the American spirit. Such is the case during the current Coronavirus crisis. Some of my favorite … Continue reading Diary of a Quarantined Homeschool Mom
Passing down the family name may be tradition, but it’s a tradition fraught with complications. When naming a son after his father, it is a common practice to add a Junior or Jr. The next generation becomes the 3rd or III. And so on. Sounds simple, but it’s not. Comes across as downright honorary and … Continue reading Mr. Aye-Aye-Aye
I had a birthday last month, but alas, I have reached an age where birthday candles pose a fire hazard, or an opportunity to toast marshmallows. Turning 69 used to be an age I considered old, if not downright ancient. Now that I have lived for seven decades, I don’t feel old. Yes, I have … Continue reading Counting My Blessings
The American reality television series called American Pickers has popularized the little known past-time of “picking.” This captivating show of exploring barns, sheds, workshops, and attics in hopes of discovering unique, collectible, and sometimes valuable items of Americana vaulted the program to the History Channel’s highest-rated show. In my case, I don’t have to go … Continue reading This Thing Called Prayer
