ETC., ETC., ETC.

I read an extremely interesting article yesterday — June 22, 2008 — written by Alan Fram and Eileen Putman, two Associated Press writers!  The article addressed the possibility that the seemingly never-ending series of challenging events harassing the people of the United States in recent months and years may actually be taking a toll on […]

A Broken Wing and the Evolution of Dependence

This is likely to be a shorter entry than in the past due to the fact that my "left wing" is broken.  I know, 55 year old men don’t have any business pretending to be 25 and playing softball attempting "all-star heroics" — but, like Brad Paisley says in his song, "I’m still a guy!" […]

Post Father's Day Reflections

The first call this past Sunday morning set off a series of greetings and "happy" salutations that lasted into early evening. Yes, it was Father’s Day and I loved almost every minute of it!  I say almost because that is the truth!  There were some parts of the day that I didn’t enjoy that much, […]

The Oasis of Friendship

Friendship is an Oasis in the middle of life that is sometimes barren, desolate and unforgiving!  Friends — true friends — help make life bearable when it appears impossible!  Their intrinsic value is incalcuable!  They listen to our stories; laugh at our jokes (although the humor may be barely detectable at times); hold our hands; […]

Lessons from Humpty Dumpty

"Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall.  Humpty Dumpty had a great fall.  All the kings horses and all the kings men couldn't put Humpty Dumpty together again!"  Remember that one?  Great fun to read, recite and recall!  It conjures up some rather outrageous visuals as well!  I'm guessing that almost all children know this nursery […]

The Journey of Hope Grief Support Center

Well, today is my birthday and I celebrate the big "Double Nickel!"  Now I am eligible for the Senior Menu at Denny’s!  Woo Hoo!  Seriously, on my birthday, I would like to give you a gift!  I want to tell you about an organization that is very dear to my heart.  Please read on and […]

Giving in the Meantimes

Greetings! I anticipate that this message may be a little different than previous ones.  That’s OK, though!  I have to keep you and myself off balance a little every now and then! Today, I would like to throw out the importance of "Giving" in the meantimes while living in them!  All one has to do […]

Sometimes, I'm the Problem!

Dog-gone-it! As much as I hate to admit this, sometimes the "mean times" that enter my life do so as a result of choices that I make!  As much as I would like to shift blame or responsibility to someone or something else it is I who opend the door and ivited trouble in for […]

What Might Happen If . . . ?

The “mean times” of life often explode on the scene — taking us by surprise; knocking us for a loop; blindsiding us; pulling the rug out from under our feet!  Those are the ones that shock, stun, eliminate, decimate, obliterate and destroy in an instant of time!  Those are the headline grabbers — the stories […]

Personal Reflections on Memorial Day

I sat this morning in the quiet of my study reflecting on two men who have had a tremendous impact on my life — men who served our Country during WWII.  Men who worked hard; gave their best: faced hardship beyond my imagination; experienced isolation, loneliness and desperation; and — lived to return home to […]