I first learned from an Aug. 8 post on the Fort Worth Star-Telegram Friends group that a friend and former colleague had been stricken with a horrible disease I’d never heard of — multiple system atrophy (MSA). Her rare, incurable condition, one with symptoms much like Parkinson’s affecting involuntary functions including blood pressure, breathing, bladder … More The Fort Worth Star-Telegram sports family has lost another beloved member, a quiet trailblazer in the remarkable Ellen Alfano

My childhood friend John Reed and I spent three hours at Globe Life Field in Arlington on Monday night watching the team we grew up in Houston cheering for at the Astrodome. The Astros were in town playing the Rangers, and by the time we were leaving just after 10 p.m., the loooong, slow game … More Two childhood friends at the ballpark watching the Astros in a romp — what could be better?

Kay and I had a wonderful hourlong video call Sunday with these two people who are incredibly special to me — and have been since they fell into my life 16 years ago. Big Brother Crys Workman and Big Sis Terry (and our brother Robin before he passed away in 2009) have helped fill in … More Thank you, technology, for connecting me with my birth family loved ones across the miles

I’m guessing many of you have been inside these gizmos a time or two — especially those who are up in years like I am (a mere 60). I’ve lost count of how many MRIs I’ve had, for back, shoulder, abdominal and chronic headache issues. Probably about eight, give or take. Had my latest eight … More Anyone up for an MRI? Or maybe that’s down for an MRI …

We’ve had a rash of departures from our multiplatform copy desk at The Dallas Morning News this summer, and they’ve all left huge holes in our staff, our institutional knowledge and our hearts. Three people who dedicated a total of over 80 years to the DMN (how mind-staggering is that?) have moved on — two … More Another sad retirement from the DMN copy desk … but we’re all so happy for you, Nancy!

Last Wednesday, I was able to get the day off and drove to Austin. An event was planned that night at the beautiful Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center to celebrate the life of a good friend from my childhood who sadly passed away at home on March 21 after suffering a heart attack. Michael Lydell … More For Gip, from the Love of his Life, beautiful words shared with others who loved him so much

Just after 7 p.m. Saturday while I was working from home, my dear friend and Dallas Morning News colleague Allison messaged, “OH NO! Chuck will be devastated,” referring to her husband. I didn’t know what she was talking about, but moments later I learned shockingly sad news. Our friend and former DMN colleague Jon Ehret … More A tearful farewell to another good friend and former newspaper colleague taken from us too soon

Brad Paisley, my fellow native West Virginian, put on a spectacular show Saturday night at Dos Equis Pavilion in Dallas’ Fair Park, and Kay and I were fortunate enough to be among the thousands of fans in attendance. I won’t say I knew a ton of Brad’s songs going in, but I knew a few. … More An evening with Brad Paisley we’ll never forget