Puppies are a lot of work

New puppy Cato and I are taking our late afternoon walk down the gravel driveway to the turn-around. Beside me, Cato ambles loose leash, sniffing along to find good spots to mark. Suddenly, he stops, eyes me, and jumps, mouthing my sleeve like I’m a chew toy. I turn...

From Santa-god to God

“Is there a Santa?” my 6-year-old son asked. It was 1989. “Yes,” I said cautiously. “There is a Santa, and he’s Mommy and Daddy.” Concerned that my son might feel let down, I added, “There’s magic in the world, too. It’s called science.” A few years later, after my...

Optimism, my 2020 Resolution

“Happy New Year!” I said to a member of our writing community. “How are things? How are you doing?” I asked, knowing she is primary caretaker for several of her family members. “Okay,” she said, “though nothing has really changed. I drive them to doctors’ appointments...