Nigel J. Wiggins is approaching 80 (in dog years). Me too (in people years). Nigel J. Wiggins has spinal stenosis and a bunch of old man stuff. Me too. Nigel J. Wiggins slowly let go of his alpha role with his pack. Me too. Nigel J. Wiggins can’t see the deer on the …
Dark. Snow. Wind, powerful blasts. Jet dances dangerously. Me, a Southwest veteran. He, a frightened man. A first time, old timer. Eyes closed tight. Me, reaching a trembling hand. He, latches tight. Plane lands hard. Passengers sigh and cheer Our eyes connect. We …
We can split groups of people in many ways: gender, age, social class, political preference, education, and on and on. One of my old buddies, Mike, and I, both sneaking up on 80, got to thinking of friends we’ve known, splitting them up as risk-takers or …
“Never give up” is my message, hidden in an almost-true story. I never could dance. In seventh grade at Saint Cecilia Elementary School, I was forced into a dance class with real girls. The most basic dance was called the box step. I just made a square box while …
A few years ago, I asked in a blog post what was the silliest, most embarrassing thing you did while growing up. I only received a couple dozen responses. My guess is that most people don’t wish to remember those special moments, even after decades have passed by. My …
The old golfers at the La Grange Country Club were a strange lot. I worked as a caddy during weekends in high school, but I was not one of the favored few who got chosen first to take off, doubled bagged, with the big tippers. Often, I just sat in the caddy shack waiting my …
I was the featured storyteller. The community room was large, with rows of chairs lined up. A “packed crowd” of 14 people showed up. Okay, it may have only been 12. My message was about how I can bring up happy memories from the past to get me out of a funk (when things …
Just this week, another close friend took off on me. Stan Jones, age 88, of Carson City, retired from his worldly duties and moved on to heaven. I love Stan, and I’m awed by all his accomplishments. Armed with a smile and twinkle in his eye, Stan made Carson City a better …
As much as I appreciate receiving holiday letters from friends and family, at first they made my 2023 seem rather humdrum. Sherry and I received dozens of holiday cards with delightful letters and pictures. I’ve never seen so many beautiful beaches. A whole slew of our …
(inspired by George Jones) Give me just one more day, Lord, and I promise: To eat the blackened banana and leave the yellow one for Sherry. To tell my three best friends I love them. To stop feeling sorry for myself, even when I’m hurting. To open doors for teenagers at the …
