I retired from what I call my “real job” in January of 2008. I taught for eight years, was an elementary school principal for fifteen, and spent my last sixteen years as a school superintendent. I’ve had a contract with the Michigan Works system since then. During my tenure with Michigan Works, I’ve worked with …
It’s Gonna Leave A Scar
When I was about ten a group of my friends were playing army in my backyard. All such games ended with a battle and lots of fake dying. Some were simple falls, others were more dramatic like you might see on TV or in the movies. Wounds were healed with a flick of a finger …
Born to Be Wild
If Mom was still alive she would have turned 101 last Monday. While she had three children, Sharron, Jackie, and me, she often told me that my cousin, Gene, was more like a son than a nephew. He was the oldest cousin from the Barner clan and the “go to” man in the family. He …
Fishin
Although I lived on a lake for forty-three years, I’ve never been a fisherman. I’ve thrown my line in the water a few times, but seldom more than a couple of casts off the dock. Most of the time I had one of the three kids with me or, later, my grandkids. They’ve all caught …
Nineteen Years
Barb was the youngest mom in the neighborhood, and I thought she was the prettiest. (After my mom of course.) I recall being in her house one day as she was preparing to go out for the evening with her husband, Dick. I thought she smelled great. I asked her what perfume she was wearing …
Not a Kid Anymore
I grew up in suburban Royal Oak in the 1950’s and 60’s. The houses all looked alike on our dirt street. When it rained, the street was so muddy the dads parked on Eleven Mile Road, or one of the other paved streets, and walked the final block or two home. Farnum, the street we …
By Example
Ruth and I spent the fourth of July week-end in Las Vegas. We hadn’t been in almost two years, and we’ve gone as often as four times a year. It was HOT. It reached at least 100 degrees each day. We both like it there. It’s a getaway from the real world, not that our …
Mrs. Berry
Young Jackson James will start daycare in a week. Part of the preparation is making a series of visits to the care facility. Mike and Kate have visited several and chose the location because they believe it will be a safe haven for Jackson. Great thought goes into making such decisions. California law requires a …
A Couple Observations
Ruth and I spent three days with Jackson James, and his mom and dad, earlier this week. It was our first flight from Grand Rapids to California and it went very well. This is Mike’s first week of father bonding time. The State of California has a program that allows moms and dads each several …
The Revelation
I called Eric, and Eric’s mom, from the business site. Neither one answered. I told Andrew I’d continue calling until I heard from someone and get in touch with him as soon as I knew something. Mom’s pledge to “pick him up and drop him off myself” concerned me. Perhaps something had happened to the …