I wrote a blog about my friend, Ed, as he turned 101 back in November of 2018. Although I didn’t ask him, I speculated that he might offer up this list of guiding principles as his secret to his longevity. Love. Share your time on earth. You don’t have to marry, but have someone …
$131.00
Billie Jean and Abby are my Michigan cleaning ladies. I’m not sure the phrase “cleaning ladies” is politically correct, but in any case, they’re females in their early thirties and they clean for me. I met them about three weeks ago and they did a “deep clean” of my condo. They returned Thursday for a …
The Picture Says It All
If you fly enough, the unexpected is bound to happen. Lost luggage, late flights, missed connections, offers to take “a bump”, and the occasional apparent high jacking. (If you missed my post about Flight 245, you should look it up.) Ruth and I engaged on all sorts of travel adventures. We encountered some traveling alone, …
Personal Things
Ruth was never a hoarder, but she was always a saver. She saved things that had meaning to her or she thought may have meaning to our three kids. She had three bureau drawers full of artwork and school awards. One for each. As they grew older, she saved favorite toys knowing they would want …
Ruth Did
Ruth’s Michigan Celebration of Life last Sunday was perfect. About one hundred and fifty people joined us at the Michigan Theatre in Jackson. They came from all over. Friends drove in from locations throughout Michigan, some traveled a few hours and others a few minutes. We had visitors fly in from California and Florida and …
This Is Your Life
When I was growing up, I watched a TV show called This is Your Life. It was an American reality documentary series broadcast on NBC radio from 1948 to 1952, and on NBC television from 1952 to 1961. It was originally hosted by its creator Ralph Edwards. During the program, the host surprised guests and …
Sometimes
When I met Ruth, she was as liberal as any of the women I knew. Although I don’t think she ever burned her bra like others from our youth, she supported those who did. When we started teaching, women had to wear skirts or dresses. There were no pants allowed. During our third or fourth …
A Life She Loved
I’ve received a ton of support since losing Ruth over eight months ago. I sometimes still find myself thinking “Is this real? Is this really how life is going to be?” I know it is, but it’s still a bit overpowering. I received the following note from a friend shortly after I arrived in Florida …
$15
Shortly after I graduated from high school my parents started charging me $15 a week for room and board. The collections began around the first of July in 1965. I had a job, so they charged me what they thought was a reasonable fee. My living conditions didn’t change. I still had my own room, …
Roommates?
Brady plans to go to Grand Rapids Community College next fall. He was recruited to play on the basketball team with a promise that the coach would help get him to the “next level”. We’ve discussed potential career paths, but right now he, like thousands of other graduates across the country, isn’t committed to one. …