Recovery. Sobriety. Living Wise.
I saw a funny graphic once titled “Average Day for a Musician.” Three-quarters of the pie chart was labeled “Crippling self-doubt.” It was certainly hilarious, but I wish this wasn’t so true. Recently I was privileged to once again perform at a dance at a large convention and was treated like a rock star. Less than two days later I was wallowing in that crippling … Continue reading I Am Enough (by Eileen)
Not long ago I attended mass at Seattle Prep High School celebrated by one of my classmates, Father Phil Burroughs, President of Holy Cross University. A number of my classmates were there. The event was meaningful for many reasons, not least of which we’re all getting older and our numbers are beginning to thin. I was struck by the affection we have for one another, … Continue reading Soul Brothers
All families have stories of black sheep, and some sheep can wander into some pretty dark places. My family is no different. We, too, have our black sheep, and at one point I counted myself as one. Then, later, I discovered life’s not so simple. We all have our spots. White sheep have black spots, and black sheep have white spots. It’s just that some … Continue reading A Story of Redemption
Several weeks ago I had lunch with my nephew, Marine Captain Mike Lovejoy, who had recently returned home from a tour of duty in Iraq. Throughout his tour he shared with us in elucidating letters his real time experiences. Mike had lived a whole year in a war zone where his survival was not assured and danger was everywhere. I wanted to catch up with … Continue reading Surviving a War Zone
Two and half years ago I wrote this post on Verdell Trice, fondly known as the Mayor of the West Side of Chicago. I worked with Verdell and others in a community renewal endeavor known as the 5th City Project. On account of recent developments in 5th City I’m adding a coda to the original post. Life is unpredictable, and sometimes things bear fruit long … Continue reading Why Bother? (Coda)