Category: Uncategorized

4 years, a broken arm, a broken vow — but she finally walked the aisle as a flower girl

April 3, 2016

It’s interesting as to how life can take amazing twists and turns and yet somehow manage to land exactly where you hoped it was headed in the first place — even if it’s walking down the aisle at a wedding. No, our daughter isn’t getting married at the tender age of soon-to-be 9 years old. But she … More 4 years, a broken arm, a broken vow — but she finally walked the aisle as a flower girl

Illness in the family: But I didn’t realize they had one of those

March 20, 2016

We had a health scare last week with the newest member of the household. It made me confront for the first time how we would break the news to our child and cope with the death of a loving family pet. When it comes to animals, though, I’m a very effective grief counselor. I go to pieces. I try to … More Illness in the family: But I didn’t realize they had one of those

Final say on Obituaries: Now it’s ‘Surrounded by family members’

March 6, 2016

You could say I’ve had a lifelong interest in obituaries. It began with writing them, in the early days of my career in journalism, and continues even today. But it makes me wonder about the future of these re-caps, recounting and chronicling of someone’s life.   I fear the importance of and attention to printed … More Final say on Obituaries: Now it’s ‘Surrounded by family members’

Book ‘shares’ Lost in Space? NASA Barbie goes for a ride — Sally Ride, that is

February 20, 2016

They used to call them book reports, back in my day. Plain and simple, with your neatest handwriting. There was a word count, and you learned the tricks for padding your prose. Book reports were generally a chore, and squelched the joy of reading. Some short-sighted classmates would “borrow” information from the inside of the book … More Book ‘shares’ Lost in Space? NASA Barbie goes for a ride — Sally Ride, that is

Welcome back: Why do those Hollywood dance classics stir up the birds and the bees?

February 13, 2016

Writer’s block? More like the border wall President Trump is ordering Mexico to build. Sure, I’ve stashed a couple of half-hearted starts and musings in the draft folder. But I always remember the writer’s axiom: Good writers write about what they know. When you’re not confident in what you know, well … Still not an excuse for … More Welcome back: Why do those Hollywood dance classics stir up the birds and the bees?

A Tale of Two Mouths: The Tooth Fairy pulls through

January 27, 2015

It sounded like a blog-worthy idea: Similar, coincidental events of reasonable significance overlapping between the 56-year-old and the 7-year-old. Opportunities for a few clever comments, and some deep-thought wisdom. That’s how these blog posts work: An idea presents itself; it crystallizes and then synchronizes my brain and my fingers. Truth be told (shouldn’t it always … More A Tale of Two Mouths: The Tooth Fairy pulls through

Today’s news: She reads the paper — beware of what you wish for

June 5, 2014

Certainly I’ve been accused of being a Luddite when it comes to modern communications technology. I prefer to think of it as old-fashioned — a choice I make. That’s why it’s been a source of pride to me that our 7-year-old old has picked up on my interest (devotion?) to reading a printed newspaper. Every time … More Today’s news: She reads the paper — beware of what you wish for

Still unemployed — an unfortunate sign of times, it appears

June 2, 2014

This particular column isn’t really about the joys of being an older father with a younger child. It’s still closely linked to that theme, but it’s more about the serious implications that can occur and cast a shadow over that relationship. One day last summer, I was on my way to a job interview in downtown … More Still unemployed — an unfortunate sign of times, it appears

The source of pain and new vocabulary: Getting older or just plain clumsy?

October 3, 2013

“I learned about compassion today,” the 6-year-old said rather matter-of-factly as we walked home from the bus stop. That stirred my curiosity. Not a word that generally comes up in 1st Grade. Perhaps they’re really moving ahead in language and usage, I thought. Just another reason I love our charter school. “How did you learn … More The source of pain and new vocabulary: Getting older or just plain clumsy?

Lesson from a Child: Memories truly are the key to immortality

September 22, 2013

My Muse has been on an unscheduled sabbatical. For the second time, I pushed myself through a post because I felt I should write one, or I was supposed to write one — instead of writing a post that was inspired by a priceless moment between Older Dad and Younger Child. Fortunately, I put that … More Lesson from a Child: Memories truly are the key to immortality