Atlanta, GA December 8, 2021 The Lord possessed me in the beginning of His ways, before He made anything, from the beginning. I was set up from eternity, and of old, before the earth was made. The depths were not as yet, and I was already conceived….He that shall find me shall find life, and […]
Atlanta, GA December 3, 2021 The most improper job of any man, even saints, who at any rate were at least unwilling to take it on, is bossing other men. Not one in a million is fit for it, and least of all those who seek the opportunity. – JRR Tolkien Despite all we should’ve […]
Bar Harbor, ME September 9, 1998 After overcoming torrential rains north of Portland, we arrived this evening to this idyllic place. Were scenery music, with Northern California the perfection of Mozart, and Alaska the grandeur of Beethoven, this island would be the symphonic elegance of Haydn. Land and sea blend to form a melody for […]
Atlanta, GA November 25, 2021 Last year, we recalled America’s first Thanksgiving. Today we remember a couple of ours. A silhouette of Sonoma hills stood stark against the night sky. Above it, stars were strewn like a display of diamonds on celestial velvet. The lunar light exposed exhausted vines, resting wearily after a bountiful harvest, […]
For my step-father’s 90th birthday, I’m re-posting an essay I write on this day a couple years ago. It’s a re-run, but for a true original. Atlanta, GA November 16, 2019 “Little by little, the look of the country changes because of the men we admire.” – Melvyn Douglas in Hud, 1963 “Even da big boys don’t […]
Atlanta, GA November 13, 2021 The phone buzzed. “Mr. Breen?”, came the voice, as if from a mine shaft, barely audible over the ambient noise around it. “Yes?” “Can you come outside? The trench just collapsed.” I hung up, and ran outside. The last couple years, it’s frequently felt like the walls are closing in. […]
Atlanta, GA November 6, 2021 Almost five years ago, we made plans for a parade. Unfortunately, we did so too soon, and confessed it out loud. My sons and I couldn’t believe what was happening, but we were elated. We’d never seen our team play this well. Of course, by then were hardly watching the […]
November 1, 2021 Atlanta, GA With the passing of All Hallows’ Eve, the goblins, demons, and ghouls are gone. Today we make way for the saints. We are approaching the conclusion of the Catholic calendar. The Church coordinates its year around the life, death, and Resurrection of Christ. It anticipates the coming of the Kingdom […]
Atlanta, GA October 24, 2021 The sky’s clear and the air is crisp. Morning dew covers the earth as leaves begin to ripen, relinquish their bough, and drift gently to the ground. Twenty yards away, a family of deer rustle the fresh autumn carpet. The writer looks up from his screen, and admires the quartet…till […]
Sao Paulo, Brazil September 11, 2001 The phone rang. My boss, Brian Rodkey, was on the line. “Are you watching the news?” “No. Why?” “You should turn it on. We may be here a while.” After an overnight flight from Atlanta, I arrived here early this morning. I reserved the day room for a quick […]