Earlier this winter, my friend, Gary, and his wife, Susan, spent a few days with me. It was a respite for them to get away from the Michigan winter. I met Gary during our freshman year of college in 1965 and Susan a year, or so, later when she attended Kalamazoo’s Nazareth College. We’ve remained …
Tomorrow
Tomorrow is young Jackson James’s second birthday. It’s also the sixth month mark of Ruth’s accident. The twenty-seventh of the month took on new meaning when she died. When children are born, we document their birth in terms of months. He’s six months old, not a half year. That’s how I think of Ruth. She’s …
Save The Date
I’d prefer this was a Save the Date for a wedding or a shower, but I have neither on my social calendar. This is rather, a save the date announcement for Ruth’s Michigan Celebration of Life. The kids and I held a similar celebration in Florida this past December. It went well and served as …
Sweet Sixteen
The best part of the covid pandemic for Ruth and me was the ability to livestream Brady’s basketball games. We started watching the moment they became available. We had to pay for some but were able to watch most via YouTube. I was happy to pony up a few dollars to watch the history of …
B and E
Everyone knows there’s a difference between boys and girls. If you’ve not been a parent to both, you may not appreciate their unique idiosyncrasies. They can come from the same place and be two different beasts. My two sisters and I are great examples. We’re very different. I stand in the middle of two extremes. …
Finger Guns
My senior year grandson, Brady, graduates in a couple of months. I’m looking forward to watching him walk across the stage to receive his diploma and know Ruth will be with us in spirit. She and Brady have always had a special bond, and she was looking forward to sharing his senior year highlights with …
A Better Way
Just before heading south last October, our condo association held an open house at one of the condo owners’ homes. About eighty people were invited, an RSVP was requested, and after giving it some thought, I accepted the invitation. The party planner said she was happy I was attending. On the surface I took her …
Not Just Another Snow Day
If you live in Michigan, you know all about snow. The wintery weather can make travel dangerous, causing school districts to cancel school in the name of safety. When Ruth and I taught in Plainwell, we looked forward to the occasional day off. Back then staff had to report unless we were told not to. …
Thank You Obadiah
I have a Facebook friend, Obadiah, who posted this cartoon a few days ago. It’s a visual representation of how people handle problems. Two men, stuck in the same position, take two different paths. One sits and ponders his misfortune, while the other tries something new, working to improve his lot in life. It reminded …
Going Commando
The true origin of the phrase “going commando” is unknown. Some say it’s a reference to a commandos’ reputation for action and toughness rather than any specific practice. I’ve always believed the saying references the habit of not wearing underwear. I’ve never been a practitioner, but I know of those who have. Ruth rolled that …