Each day, we hear the word “love” spoken in many different forms and in many different contexts. Southwest Airlines speaks of “Luv” with airline vouchers, customer service and their NYSE stock symbol, “LUV.” For Subaru, “love” means being more than a car company. “The Subaru Love Promise” is their vision to “show love and respect to all people at every interaction with Subaru.”
Read MoreMom, though it has been many years since these events have occurred, I think of them often and wonder why you did what you did.
What events?
Well, when I was in eight grade and on the CYO Basketball team, I was one of their star players. We had a great season, and we were on our way to the championship. The championship game was set for Saturday, and we were all thrilled. When I told you about the game, you told me that I could not go because we were expected at Pop-Pop and Nanny’s home for dinner in Philadelphia.
Read MoreAt this time of year, I often reflect on the Christmas mornings growing up in Lawrenceville, New Jersey - the opening of presents, the wrapping paper flying everywhere, the smell of freshly brewed coffee, the sound of bacon sizzling on the stove, Christmas songs playing on the stereo, and the many hugs and smiles from my grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins and friends dropping in throughout the day. But there is one Christmas in particular that I recall each year. A Christmas morning that changed my life.
Read MoreAt this time of year, I often reflect on the Christmas mornings growing up in Lawrenceville, New Jersey - the opening of presents, the wrapping paper flying everywhere, the smell of freshly brewed coffee, the sound of bacon sizzling on the stove, Christmas songs playing on the stereo, and the many hugs and smiles from my grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins and friends dropping in throughout the day. But there is one Christmas in particular that I recall each year. A Christmas morning that changed my life.
Read MoreThis time of the year is marked with certain time-honored traditions.
Purchasing of gifts for those near and far. Attending holiday parties with friends and family members. Packing up the car to make extended trips. Baking cookies, making pies, and taking out Grandma’s recipe of sweet potato casserole – the one with mini-marshmallows.
There is a missing piece of pie served at my holiday feast, and I’m not sure why.
• Did someone sneak into the refrigerator last night for a midnight snack?
• Did someone skip the ham and go straight to dessert?
• Maybe someone dropped the pie and put back what was left to cover their tracks?
It is nearly dusk as the sun greets the orange and blue horizon over Boston Harbor. Judy and her daughter, Michelle, cuddled together on their living room couch. Michelle, just three years old, draws her baby doll closely to her chest, and holds her mother's hand tightly.
Read MoreDuring my freshman year at Boston College, I received many letters from family and friends. At first, I received about a dozen or so letters each week; mostly from my high school buddies relaying their college experiences. I would dutifully write back and describe my classes, friends, and the overall experience of attending Boston College.
Read MoreSomeday, we will have that catch. Someday, we will take that walk, have that conversation, laugh, have lunch. Someday, I will write "thank you" cards, eat better, exercise more, say "I love you.” Someday, I will make a difference, dream, serve others, give more, expect less.
Read MoreEach day, we hear the word “love” spoken in many different forms and in many different contexts. Southwest Airlines speaks of “Luv” with airline vouchers, customer service and their NYSE stock symbol, “LUV.” For Subaru, “love” means being more than a car company. “The Subaru Love Promise” is their vision to “show love and respect to all people at every interaction with Subaru.”
Read MoreI am restless, and I really don’t understand why.
Is it because tragic world events disrupt and disturb an otherwise peaceful day?
Is it because news of global warming and the environmental consequences dim my outlook?
Is it because many of the world leaders’ words hurt, divide and confuse?
At 2:00 pm on August 31, 2001, the Public Broadcasting System (PBS) aired the final original showing of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. After more than 30 years of greeting youngsters each day on television with his trademark "Hi, Neighbor," Fred Rogers, host and creator of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, put away his cardigan and sneakers for the last time.
This week, the world took pause to recognize the 50th Anniversary of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, which first aired on February 19th, 1968.
Read MoreAt this time of year, I often reflect on the Christmas mornings growing up in Lawrenceville, New Jersey - the opening of presents, the wrapping paper flying everywhere, the smell of freshly brewed coffee, the sound of bacon sizzling on the stove, Christmas songs playing on the stereo, and the many hugs and smiles from my grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins and friends dropping in throughout the day. But there is one Christmas in particular that I recall each year. A Christmas morning that changed my life.
Read More[Today, September 11, 2016, marks the fifteenth anniversary of the terrorist act on the World Trade Center, at the Pentagon, and in a field in Pennsylvania which took the lives of over 3,000 innocent people. Fifteen years ago, I wrote the following "Friday Story" in an effort to express the many elements of sorrow, fear, and hope that earmarked that tragic day. Today, we still have many of those elements still with us, and most likely they will always be our companions. However, it is hope that we hold onto most dearly in our efforts to comfort the wounded and bring peace to those who continue to suffer fifteen years later.]
Read MoreIt's 5:30 in the morning. My wife and I are standing at the end of our driveway with our arms around each other's waists.
"We are really going to miss them."
"Yes, we are."
"We couldn't ask for better neighbors and better friends."
"Yes, it is hard to imagine they will be gone soon."
Just then the engine of the moving van roars to life, headlights come on and the moving van slowly backs out of the driveway across the street from our home.
If I knew it was the last time I would see you, I would have I stayed longer by your side;
If I knew it was the last time I would talk with you, I would have listened more and asked better questions;
If I knew it was the last time I would laugh with you, I would have laughed harder and louder.
Read MoreIn the stillness of the night, he takes each breath slowly; deliberately. Eyes closed, hands by his side. The silence is only broken by the humming and hissing of the oxygen machine. The oxygen, supplied in a clear plastic tube to his nose, enables his dreams to be more peaceful; bringing a degree of comfort and relief to a weary body now in the third week of home Hospice care.
For four nights and portions of the day, I have been watching Dad.
"I love you."
"What?"
"I love you!"
"Wow...why did you say that?"
"Well, you are very special to me. I can't wait to see you. And when we are together, I am the happiest person on earth."
"That is so sweet. But what brought this on?"
"Well, I was watching a World War II movie the other day. This guy couldn't get the nerve up in person to say that he loved his girlfriend, so he wrote a letter to express how much he cared for her, and that he loved her with all his heart."
"What happened?"
"Tragically, the guy died in battle the next day after he wrote the letter, and the letter was finally delivered ten years later after the war had ended."
"How sad..."
"For over ten years, she wondered if he really loved her. Well, I don't want you to think for one moment more, or for ten years no less, that I love you."
"But you are in no danger like the soldier. The only danger as an accountant is that you may spill your Diet Coke on your keyboard, or you may get a paper cut on one of your financial statements."
"Very funny. The movie reminded me that life is fleeting, and if you feel strongly about a person, you should express it now before it's too late."
"You are so right. And by the way, I love you too!"
Until Next Friday,
Although we were tired when we arrived at your property door,
Because of last-minute work, a long plane ride, rental car, and more;
Clearly, we hoped for the best upon our arrival,
Doing more than the ordinary was key to our vacation survival.
