Moving To The Head Of The Line

I post this article today in memory of my dad, a World War II veteran who was proud of his service. He died in December 2005.

—–

My dad had two fears: the nursing home and a long-winded speaker at his funeral. He avoided the first; the jury still debates the second.

The call from his apartment [...]

Rules For Dealing With Cats And Life

“I’m so lonely here by myself during the day, and there’s free kitty advertised on the radio. Can I get it? Please?”

That’s the way the phone call began our third week of marriage. But I was newlywed-husband adamant. “Absolutely not! Cats carry germs and suck the breath out of babies. Mother said so. No cats!”

She [...]

Helps For Grieving

These three items have been an encouragement to me in the grieving process after the loss of loved ones, and I’m hopeful that they will be for others as well. Please feel to pass them on. There’s a link to a printer-friendly version at the end.

—–

HOW TO GRIEVE

“After the first death, there is no other,” [...]

Words Hold Remarkable Power

With each passing year I’m reminded how quickly my life is passing and how little I remember about the words, deeds and activities that seemed so important as they were happening. So this year I’m determined to do a better job of recording my journey, not only for my own benefit, but also for future [...]

Our Most Special Christmas Ever

I repost this old article as a reminder to enjoy Christmas with family and loved ones as long as time and opportunity permit you to do so. Though death has taken the wife and daughter mentioned here from me, I hope to relive some of the magic that children bring to Christmas morning by watching [...]

The Last Shepherd

They sat side by side on the hillside, silently gazing into the starry sky. Finally, the boy spoke. “Would you tell me about that night, Jacob?” The old man said nothing.

The boy asked again. “Please, Jacob. I won’t laugh at you. I really want to hear the story.” The old man finally turned toward [...]

The Last Times Of That October

I saw her for the last time on such a rare and wonderful autumn day as this. With fall crispness charging the air, our long, lingering stroll around the campus let her enjoy the unique texture of October breeze and sun upon her cheeks.

Our visit completed, I offered my goodbyes–without realizing she was hearing them [...]

Welcoming The Arrival Of Autumn

Autumn is my favorite season of the year, and the weather I have come to expect and enjoy in October has just arrived in the last few days. Thus I post an older article about the feelings Autumn brings with it.

—–

Golden Autumn by name, she heralds inevitable liberation from the restricting bonds of summer heat. [...]

To Him Alone Who Answers Prayer

After 30 months of agonizing preparation, countless prayers and the support of many who stood by me and helped me, I am now in a new house. I am thrilled for the fresh start in a place untainted by difficult memories, many brought on by the death of my mate and companion of 40 years.

Unlike [...]

A Letter To My Mom

Following is the talk given by my son Barrett at his mother’s funeral. I post it again for Mother’s Day as a reminder of just how quickly our time with our mothers, wives and daughters can slip away from us. There are other Mother’s Day posts under the Holidays category on the right-hand side.

—–
As many [...]