A Life of Words

Happy Father’s Day to all my family and friend dads who may be taking the time to read this, and to your fathers, grandfathers and uncles gone or still with us, and to your brothers and cousins who are dads. To everyone who’s made a difference in the life of a child who calls you … More That throat soreness turned out to be — what else? Happy Father’s Day from COVID confinement headquarters!

Through my 50-plus years of Houston Astros fandom, this week brought what I’m almost certain to be a first: I attended two games in one series. It’s possible I’ve done it before, but I don’t think so. That goes for the regular season and the playoffs. I saw my first Astros playoff game in person … More Joining friends for 2 Astros games in a series for the first time ever, and a sudden sore throat — what could that be?

It’s so gratifying — not to mention entertaining — to watch musical prowess blossom from a young age. To realize when it’s the real thing, when a kid has a special gift that, given the right breaks, might just take her or him somewhere. You never know what’ll happen, but having true, undeniable talent is … More Cheering on an amazing young woman we’ve been lucky to know and watch grow with her remarkable musical gifts

💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔 I have so much to say, so much emotional distress, so much frustration rushing through my veins. But what good will it do? Not a damn bit. It won’t bring back the 19 children and two teachers who were slaughtered this week at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas. It won’t bring back the … More Mourning 21 lost souls — and praying that those who might be able to save some lives come to their senses

I had quite a day Sunday. After church and lunch with Kay, I traveled to Mars, Venus, Mercury, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus (no jokes, please) and Neptune, in that order. And somehow, I made it home by 5 p.m. Before I embarked on my journey through our solar system, one I’d made once before (or was … More A rousing trip through the solar system, making a new friend — and finally getting to meet one for the first time

Happy National Birth Mother’s Day to the woman who carried me for nine months during trying, uncertain times, gave birth to me, then gave me up to protect me and give me what she hoped and prayed would be a better life. At least that is why, deep in my heart, I believe she made … More Happy National Birth Mother’s Day to Betty, who loved me enough to give me up

Kay and I went to a Texas Rangers baseball game with two good friends Sunday, always a great way to spend a few hours. We went not so much for the game as for what came after it — and besides, the team I’ve spent my life rooting for above all others (you know who … More Spending time at the ballpark with friends was special — and then Nolan Ryan showed up and we saw a great film about his career and family

Six years ago this month, I had a phone conversation I’ll always cherish. I’d talked to Jim Waller in Ironton, Ohio, several years earlier, but I wanted desperately to chat with him again. He had lost his wife, Helen, since we last spoke and was about to turn 87 in a few days. Mr. Waller … More Paying tribute, and saying thank you, to a great man: The late Jim Waller of Ironton, Ohio

I’ve been singing praises with the wonderfully talented choir at The Welcome Table Christian Church in southwest Arlington for a few weeks now. We rehearse for 45 minutes to an hour on Thursday evenings, when I’m allowed to cut away from my editing for The Dallas Morning News for a while to drive less than … More Thankful for my two new homes — a church and a choir

A few days late, I wanted to share what a special Easter weekend we had. I hope you and your families did too. From Good Friday through Easter Sunday and beyond, it was a weekend filled with fun, fellowship and rewarding outings for our family. On Good Friday evening, I was able to take a … More Beautiful church services, cherished symphony, scenic hike and a ballgame make for a memorable Easter weekend