Recovery. Sobriety. Living Wise.
When I traveled to India last November I flew a polar route through Dubai. I was lucky enough to have sitting next to me a 29-year-old economist from the UK named Chris. He was going to Abu Dabi for a conference on famine relief and since we had a 16-hour flight, we struck up a conversation that was for me both fascinating and a bit disturbing. … Continue reading Letting Go
I recently met a long-time buddy for a belated birthday chat. We go way back, to my drinking days, when the nights were long and the days were blurry. We both have been sober a good while, so we can now share a good laugh at the bad old days and just be thankful we made it through alive. As we were readying to leave, … Continue reading Learning to Listen
Marsha and I would like to wish you all a very merry Christmas. We, like many of you, have struggled over the years with how to infuse this holiday with a meaning beyond traditional stories and Christmas gifts. Now that we are grandparents this search has taken on added importance. I asked myself recently if it was in my power to grant young Sam any gift of … Continue reading A Christmas Gift
I read a quote (uncredited) the other day that caught my attention: “Never blame anyone in your life. The good people give you happiness, the bad people give you experience, the worst people give you a lesson, the best people give you memories.” It struck me that when I look into the mirror in the morning all four characters stare back: the good, the bad, … Continue reading The Power of Thoughts
The Moriartys are celebrating the arrival of our newest member, Patrick James Moriarty, born to my nephew Casey and his wife Susan. It has been 50 years since I’ve shared the name Patrick with another family member and it pleases me greatly. Patrick is number 19 of his generation and I’m reminded, once again, of the importance of family. Knowing something of the road our kin … Continue reading The Family Storyteller