One of the final lengthy conversations I had with #MyAwesomeDad… was about the day he and #MyMom finally moved into the house I grew up in. It was the first of 16 new houses occupied on South 234th Place in Des Moines. I was just six months old, and with two older sisters, our current Read more about The Give and Take in Pastores, Guatemala[…]
In our laundry room downstairs, a discarded teak book shelf holds my causal threads. Of the four shelves, I’d say the top one gets the most action. I’m a regular on E-Bay seeking size 38 Ex-Officio tan shorts. Yes, those same style I’ve been sporting in for a dozen years. “Quality never goes out of Read more about Socks Don’t Have to Match[…]
I read a text message from Zoe, my Starbucks manager. “I need to talk to you today Larry?” In nearly sixteen years of my part time coffee gig, I’d never received this kind of urgent digital communication. Even as an optimist, this went to the bottom of my stomach. I replied about a scheduled professional Read more about Who Needs a Hug?[…]
In her days of clarity, my mom used to share a story with me each birthday. Being a couple days past my due date, the solution beyond speed bumps in the station wagon was an IV. Her words: “Your father and I ran into Gramps while standing on 4th and Pike, noticing my good sized belly, Read more about This Son Goes Around the Sun[…]
Hi Mom, It’s your special day! Happy Birthday to the one who put on at least 100 birthday parties a year, many for kids that would not have had a party if not for you and the loving staff you guided with grace. I wanted to let you know I‘ve been leaning on your lessons Read more about A Birthday Card, Heaven Sent![…]
Never has there been a push to create, plan, or move like the one stirring my heart and soul as we enter this odd numbered year. I assign part of it to the monumental 365 days we’ve just passed. To look back and see the incredible people I’ve met, the missions I’ve seen moved, and Read more about 2019: An Honest Push to 1987[…]
Although the distance between us Wednesday night was only the length of a dining room table, I’ve learned the gap between the way we think is even closer. The Honorable Joseph W Lamin MP and I had more 1:1 time in my country during our two brief days together than during my two recent trips Read more about West African-West American Brothers[…]
My Dad and I shared a bench at the end of a dock this weekend. It took us six hours by car to get to that Adirondack two seater crafted by Doug, my uber-talented brother in law. Traveling with my 86 year old Dad through places that represent some of his best childhood moments is Read more about Fountain of Knowledge and Goodness[…]
I opened a friend request during one of the few moments of connectivity while I was in Sierra Leone. At first glance, I thought it was a Doug that attended my same high school. I quickly confirmed the request and moved on to the next task not knowing just how long I’d be part of Read more about Source of Compassion[…]