Recovery. Sobriety. Living Wise.
(Originally published January 19, 2016.) I recently read in an educational journal that 60% of today’s school age children see themselves as “exceptional.” In 1964, only eight percent of children would have so described themselves. When I think back to 1964, when I was 16, did I see myself as exceptional? Not so much. In those days Teachers were always right Coaches were never to be questioned … Continue reading Coming of Age
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam (This Latin phrase, meaning For the Greater Glory of God, is the motto of the Jesuit Order, and Seattle Preparatory School, my alma mater, is a Jesuit high school.) Last weekend I attended my 50th high school reunion. What an experience it was! It took me back, literally back, to another time and another age. It had been a long, long … Continue reading Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam
Dear Erin, I had a strange dream the other night and it got me thinking about you and your one-year-old Sam, and the meaning of fatherhood. The dream poked me in the eye and reminded me of a remarkable moment we shared when you were growing up. I often settle myself into sleep by recalling happy thoughts of our time together: shooting hoops in the back … Continue reading A Letter to Erin
How did you find the key to your life’s song? A little story on how I found mine. I was blessed with an enlightened aunt, a Catholic nun with the Sisters of Charity Providence. Born Annabelle, she took the name Sister Mary Audrey. She was a wise woman, raised during the Depression in extraordinarily difficult circumstances. She learned many lessons from her life and … Continue reading Living Your Questions
“When so many are lonely as seem to be lonely, it would be inexcusably selfish to be lonely alone.” ~ Tennessee Williams This is a hard reflection for me to share because it calls to mind my times of deep loneliness. I had people to whom I was related in thought and action, but few people to whom I was truly connected in heart and … Continue reading Curing Loneliness