Tag: friends

There are older parents who bear a painful burden, but step up to stand in the light

August 6, 2020

There is another type of Older Dad, Younger Child in our midst: Fathers who are raising their children’s children. Many causes create the situation: imprisonment, inability to provide care, and in the saddest cases, due to the death of a child. First, I have seen that losing a child is one of the most devastating … More There are older parents who bear a painful burden, but step up to stand in the light

Nobody wants visitors from Florida: Covid-19 means roadblocks at the border

July 6, 2020

Being 13 years old is a full-time struggle. It’s tough to find friends — 3 schools in 3 years, and a 1,000-mile move. She’s met a few friends since moving to Florida; the 6th-grade friends from a different school have faded. Two friends she made this past year are still in the picture, but it’s … More Nobody wants visitors from Florida: Covid-19 means roadblocks at the border

Sweet friendship is blind for Birthday girls; meanwhile, one gift is painful irony

May 1, 2018

You know she’s growing up when she hits the birthday when the gifts include only one toy … and a collection of clothing, books, gift cards, a beautiful photo collage of daughter through the years, and cash. The celebration with friends has evolved as well, of course. Two close friends spent the night Friday night, … More Sweet friendship is blind for Birthday girls; meanwhile, one gift is painful irony

First day of 5th Grade: A year to learn about yourself and make (good) memories that last

August 28, 2017

First day of 5th Grade. A new school year. A new, grown-up “tween” world view. A new uniform shirt color. She told me at breakfast this morning she felt nervous, an unusual admission on her part. Reason? She didn’t know who (which friends) would be in her home base/fine arts and content classes. She will … More First day of 5th Grade: A year to learn about yourself and make (good) memories that last

Close encounters with 9-year-olds: Please keep me from looking ‘stupid’

November 29, 2016

I should’ve seen it coming. Never pretend to understand the 9-year-old mind, for your efforts shall be fruitless and fraught with frustration. What am I talking about now? (A question that’s often directed my way.) After the first few days on the new job teaching at Daughter’s school, she has been incredibly helpful, supportive, and … More Close encounters with 9-year-olds: Please keep me from looking ‘stupid’

Jimmy Stewart meets Josie Wales: Gratitude from the depths of our souls

January 14, 2014

It’s a good thing I don’t get paid for writing this blog, because I’d be making about as much as I am right now on extended unemployment benefits. Ta-dum-dum. That was supposed to be funny. Humorous. Amusing. Anyway, I’ve written two columns over the past 6 or so weeks and really didn’t like either of … More Jimmy Stewart meets Josie Wales: Gratitude from the depths of our souls