Dear Eddie, I couldn’t get you out of my mind last night, big brother. This letter is long overdue. You left us on Christmas Day 15 years ago. Near your final hour, I bent over and whispered, “I forgive you.” Those three words have haunted me ever since. I should have said, …
Those of you who follow my blog know one of my favorite playgrounds is the Costco store in Carson City. I do sophisticated research funded by my alma mater, The Hiram Scott College. If you wish to fund this vital work, I only take cash delivered in black waterproof garbage …
Nigel J. Wiggins is approaching 80 (in dog years). Me too (in people years). Nigel J. Wiggins has spinal stenosis and a bunch of old man stuff. Me too. Nigel J. Wiggins slowly let go of his alpha role with his pack. Me too. Nigel J. Wiggins can’t see the deer on the …
Dark. Snow. Wind, powerful blasts. Jet dances dangerously. Me, a Southwest veteran. He, a frightened man. A first time, old timer. Eyes closed tight. Me, reaching a trembling hand. He, latches tight. Plane lands hard. Passengers sigh and cheer Our eyes connect. We …
We can split groups of people in many ways: gender, age, social class, political preference, education, and on and on. One of my old buddies, Mike, and I, both sneaking up on 80, got to thinking of friends we’ve known, splitting them up as risk-takers or …
“Never give up” is my message, hidden in an almost-true story. I never could dance. In seventh grade at Saint Cecilia Elementary School, I was forced into a dance class with real girls. The most basic dance was called the box step. I just made a square box while …
A few years ago, I asked in a blog post what was the silliest, most embarrassing thing you did while growing up. I only received a couple dozen responses. My guess is that most people don’t wish to remember those special moments, even after decades have passed by. My …
The old golfers at the La Grange Country Club were a strange lot. I worked as a caddy during weekends in high school, but I was not one of the favored few who got chosen first to take off, doubled bagged, with the big tippers. Often, I just sat in the caddy shack waiting my …
I was the featured storyteller. The community room was large, with rows of chairs lined up. A “packed crowd” of 14 people showed up. Okay, it may have only been 12. My message was about how I can bring up happy memories from the past to get me out of a funk (when things …
Just this week, another close friend took off on me. Stan Jones, age 88, of Carson City, retired from his worldly duties and moved on to heaven. I love Stan, and I’m awed by all his accomplishments. Armed with a smile and twinkle in his eye, Stan made Carson City a better …
