Green Jell-O. Who in the world would ever suspect me of being grateful for green Jell-O? What 48-year old man would get excited, downright giddy, over the appearance of green Jell-O on a hospital tray? And yet I would peel the plastic top off the container in suspense, and then eagerly and joyfully consume Read More…
The “Next” Greatest Generation
I am a patriot. Unashamed, unabashed, and proud. I think there were two defining moments in my life that played a huge role in my sense of patriotism. When I was 13, my parents took me to Washington D.C. for our country’s bicentennial. I was transfixed and transformed that week by the changing of Read More…
Seven Minutes
Seven minutes. Seven minutes of chest compressions as they struggled to restart my heart. Seven minutes between life and death. I was receiving a dialysis treatment when I realized I was rapidly getting short of breath and struggling to breathe. In a matter of minutes I went into respiratory arrest. Becky had Read More…
Not Forgotten
He was the last thought I had before I left. All the preparation, all the plans, and all the instructions- everything had been leading to this moment. I kept thinking of all the “what-ifs’” and running them through my mind over and over. Above all else, while getting ready to leave on my extended trip, Read More…
The Man in the Mirror
I know you. I recognize your face from when we were shaving this morning. You’re the man in the mirror. I see things in your reflection that others don’t see or grasp. Everyone sees that you are a special-needs dad. They see your smiles, they hear your words, and they enjoy your sense of Read More…
The Valentine Letter
No chocolates, no flowers, not even a card. I know you say to yourself “That’s OK, what I really wanted was a nap anyway.” But you didn’t get that either. The dishes still lay untouched in the sink. The baskets of unfolded clothes are stacked on top of each other like planes circling the airport. Read More…
“Don’t Let Satan Steal Your Joy”
We turned in an instant and looked at each other, knowing in that very moment what we were supposed to do. Our pastor had just announced that our local crisis pregnancy center was in desperate need of baby beds. He asked if anyone in the audience had baby cribs that they would be willing Read More…
It’s Over…Now What?
The Christmas decorations are crammed into a box in the back of the garage now. The mantle over the fireplace is devoid of the garland and ribbons that adorned it for the past month. The table decorations have been restored to their pre-Christmas centerpieces. The boxes have been recycled, the wrapping papers discarded, and Read More…
Love Came Down
I was completely broken. Not only was I broken, but I also didn’t even realize the severity of my brokenness. When I looked in the mirror I couldn’t see the wounds. I had learned to mask them from myself so I couldn’t notice them. But everyone else could. I was living in denial myself. If Read More…
The Christmas Gift for Mom
Never in her wildest dreams could she have imagined this would happen. It certainly wasn’t the path she had planned out for her life. When she initially got the news she was stunned. After all, this pregnancy wasn’t even expected in the first place. But to then get the news that this child wouldn’t Read More…