An Unprecedented Happening

Yes, what I am about to describe to you has never happened before.

I am writing this at 3 A.M. on Wednesday. My latest column about timing was posted early yesterday and by late afternoon I had already received a note from a reader in Arizona who told me how much she enjoyed reading the column. 

Fast forward to a few minutes ago deep in the middle of the night when my sub-conscience confirmed that yes, it was a good column except I hadn’t gone far enough. That is, as soon as one recognizes that the time is right, it’s … Read the rest “An Unprecedented Happening”

Of Hopes, Dreams, And Eternity

It’s a tall stone obelisk, all four sides covered with heartfelt words written by a grieving mother.

She had been so proud of her son. While still in his twenties, he had already made his mark as a fine railroad engineer. It all came to a tragic end one stormy night on the side of a mountain near Asheville, North Carolina.

He was at the throttle as the engine and its attached coal tender began the long descent. About half way down, the brakes suddenly failed. Faithful to the end, her son was still frantically attempting to stop the increasingly … Read the rest “Of Hopes, Dreams, And Eternity”

Hanging Loose While Pulling Tight

No one lived up to that title better than Wade, a guy I met while serving in the U.S. Army. He began the day happy, and insisted on staying that way until the lights went out that night. There was nothing fake about those smiles or him. As a person, he was genuine.

That, however, was only half the story. Although he often laughingly and sometimes with a dash of daring tried to put elastic into a normally hard and fast rule, he never broke one. Fact is, he cast a dim view toward anyone who did.

Looking at Wade … Read the rest “Hanging Loose While Pulling Tight”