The Good Men Project

He continues to inspire.   Check out Matthew Goodman's contribution to "The Good Men Project" .   And if you still haven't read "Hold Love Strong"...it's your loss!

Here's an opening excerpt from Matthew's contribution to "The Good Men Project"...just for starters...

"Sometimes we find role models in the strangest places, and they need not possess personas or histories that are without faults or similar with our own; or at least that has been the case in my life."

Need I say more?

More Parenthood 101

A lifelong friend offered her pearls of wisdom! Thanks Aunt Nancy! My original entry is here. If you have some more...please leave a comment or send them to me.

• Children grow up to act like you have been acting all of these years, so be kind, loving and fair
• Never doubt that raising children is a full time job...forever
• Listen, really listen... they have a view point that is often right for them
• Remember that in their hearts they want to please you, so let them by letting them be themselves
• Don't freak out too much when they are under 21 years old and the calls come late at night
• Remember in the morning to tell them that you NEVER want to receive another one of those calls
• Don't tell them, show them, over and over and over and over again, with patience
• Do not let them run amuck in your home or in other homes
• Remember...... most of the time it is worth it

Oma

I hardly knew her…but I loved what I knew about her.   I believe she came from somewhat humble beginnings and had a relatively hard life…at least according to American standards.   She was a child of East Germany and survived the WW II bombing of Dresden, Germany.   That, in its self is noteworthy.

I first met her in Dresden.   It was the Xmas of 2002.   She was jolly and welcomed us with opened arms.   Her Xmas present to us were these incredible hand knitted socks.   I have them on now as I write this.

Her first (and only) trip to America (at the age of 82) was to witness her grandson’s marriage to my daughter.   It was also her first time on a plane!   That was two and a half years ago and that was another memorable occasion.   She seemed to enjoy every minute of it.   She jumped into the cold waters of a Pocono Mountains lake...as we all looked on in amazement/disbelief.   She enjoyed some wine and shared in the excitement at the pre-wedding day celebration, and beamed with joy during the wedding day itself!   And she had the chance to visit with us in our home. Again, that was the late spring of 2007.

Unfortunately, she left us on Monday.   Rest in peace Oma!   It was a short but sweet time together.   Thanks for the fond memories…and the socks!   I’ll think of you every time I put them on!

The Game!

They're all playing the game...
But I have to pretend that I don't see...

Because I know...
if they knew...
that I know...
I know...
they'd change the rules!

Illustration by Kimberly Klauss