Recovery. Sobriety. Living Wise.
I recently visited my friend Joe Thomas in Mobile, Alabama. It was my first trip away from the Northwest in three years and I was really looking forward to it. Joe and I go back more than fifty years and when we do get together we unabashedly indulge our Three Great Pleasures: Food Football Fellowship Now with each passing year I’m ever more grateful to … Continue reading A Master Class In Living In The Moment
“If I am not for myself, who is for me? But if I am only for myself, what am I? And if not now, when?” These questions posed by Rabbi Hillel have tripped me up more than a time to two in my life. In fact, I can think of few questions that are as vexing. My sense of self, who I think I am, is … Continue reading The Rabbi’s Question
A friend of mine years ago gave me some excellent advice. He said never be afraid of finding someone who might shed light on your darkness — because darkness will come. True enough. But who of us are ever taught HOW to seek out such people? Certainly, when I was young and depressed it was impossible for me to share my pain without first numbing … Continue reading Finding Light From Others
“Those who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape those who dream only by night.” ~ Edgar Allan Poe Are you a daytime dreamer or do you dream at night? I’m a little of both. My dreams have taken me to mountaintop moments and descents into deep crevasses. But through it all, for whatever reason, I’ve always continued to dream. Not surprising, … Continue reading Remaking A Dream
I met Betty Pesek while working for a nonprofit in Chicago. Betty lived in a wealthy north shore suburb and possessed a graceful, quiet demeanor that shrouded a steely temperament and a deep resolve to make a difference with her life. She may have looked the part of a country club matron but inside she possessed the spirit of Jane Addams. In 1974 Betty … Continue reading My Friend Betty