We all experience life-changing moments, hopefully many more positive – weddings, childbirth, getting that new job we’ve always longed for – than the not-so-memorable ones. One of my best of the best happened 20 years ago, on June 11, 2005. That’s the day I became part of a new family – well, not new but … More With a grateful heart, celebrating the 20-year anniversary of joining my new (old) family

Friday afternoon at Highland Park Presbyterian in Dallas, a packed sanctuary celebrated the life of Joel Thornton, a loving father, husband, son, brother, uncle, friend to countless many, and both friend and top-notch newspaper colleague to scores of us for years. We celebrated Joel’s intelligence and knowledge, his sense of humor, his love of Nebraska … More Celebrating the life of Joel Thornton, a newspaper man of many talents, big laughs and love for his family

When we lose family, dear friends or friends who are also colleagues and they’re younger than we are, it can be both shattering and confusing. We can’t understand why these things happen so tragically and cruelly. But they do, whether through an accident or health reasons. Despite the remarkable advances we’re making in medicine, there … More In heaven with the best seats for Kansas hoops and Nebraska football, Joel will always be ‘Boss’ to me

Since I had to work all day, my 64th birthday Friday didn’t offer all that much excitement. My UT Southwestern Medical Center teammates treated me to a fun outing after work Thursday at Community Beer next to our office at Pegasus Park in Dallas. We do have some family plans today (Saturday). But I’m gonna … More A birthday video chat with my birth family siblings (one of whom shares my special day), and a sweet sister serenade

In fall 1972, when I was an introverted, nerdy 11-year-old, on the chubby side and already in 7th grade at Booker T. Washington Jr. High in Conroe, Texas, I signed up for beginner band. I really didn’t know what instrument to play, but after our director, Ray Sanders, let all of us newbies try our … More Me, my clarinet and the thrill of being in band: It all started 52 years ago when I was just 11, but it seems like yesterday

Many of you know that I have an adoptive family and a biological family. They’re both awesome and I’m forever grateful to have them in my life. Ten months after my brother Robert “Robin” Workman – one of the three older full siblings I found in 2005 – passed away in Florida in January 2009 … More Cherishing a weekend trip to Oklahoma to visit my late brother’s teenage namesake and his wonderful family