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His First Marathon Was in BostonJune 1st, 2013
Alex Brown’s journey to his first marathon was birthed in personal sorrow and ended abruptly, on Boston streets, in the sorrow of others. But in between those sad bookends, and later as well, is a happy story. Alex, now 26, grew up in Houston, the son of banker Allen and teacher Patti Brown, and played football at Strake Jesuit. He … Enlightened By ExerciseMay 1st, 2013
I would like to apologize to the dumb jocks I used to know. I realize now. You were not dumb. You were tired. I’m sorry my geeky high school friends snickered that you couldn’t say anything clever. First, one of us probably had a crush on one of you. Second, we had no idea what it was like, as an … Facing Fear on Four LegsApril 1st, 2013
Laurie Horowitz isn’t what you’d call a thrill seeker. The retired paralegal’s idea of a good time is iced tea and a book. She hasn’t been on an airplane in more than 15 years. She would never jump off a high dive. Yet almost every day, this petite brunette straps on a black helmet and climbs aboard a 1,200-pound creature. … Log In to LearnMay 1st, 2012
Virtual school, for many of us, still seems like science fiction. In last year’s popular book Ready Player One, the author describes a near future that is poor and grim. Yet even the most unfortunate kid – including the neglected hero who lives in a trailer park of old RVs stacked on top of each other – can go … Memories of Halloween Costumes PastOctober 19th, 2011
Were you one of those gung-ho Halloween kids? The ones who bravely pushed their way up past the spider webs and creepy music strung on the front porches, despite the fact that some overhyped dad in a zombie costume was going to jump out from a dark corner? Or maybe you were more like me – the girl in the … Magnet Report Attracts ControversyMarch 1st, 2011
I went to private school for most of my childhood. I had very few classmates outside my own race, religion and income level. I had an excellent, but narrowly defined, education. My children go to public school. They have friends of varying shades, some living in rental apartments and some in $3 million houses. My kids have had an excellent, … You Shouldn’t Have – ReallyDecember 1st, 2010
We know it’s the thought that counts. The fact that somebody cares enough to give you a present is, really, gift enough. But now that we’ve appreciated that worthy sentiment, let’s talk merchandise. We’ve all gotten bad gifts. And we’ve probably given them, through cluelessness or a lack of planning, budget or caring. Instead of finding out what music your … The OdysseyNovember 1st, 2010
The trickiest part of Odyssey of the Mind is explaining to others what it is. “It’s a creative, team, problem-solving competition where you build things or do skits, or both,” is a common attempt. “Huh?” is a common response. Actually, that’s a pretty good description. The far-reaching goal, however, is to teach out-of-the-box thinking in a world where correct answers … Knowing When to Say GoodbyeOctober 1st, 2010
Our dog Rudy lay sprawled on the exam table. It had taken both the veterinarian and an assistant to lift him. He was arthritic and awkward. His brindle-striped coat was shedding, and he was panting, as usual. He turned toward my voice as if to listen, even though he couldn’t see me. The diabetes that required twice-daily insulin shots had … Rock and Roll Never ForgetsApril 1st, 2010
Your first rock concert is supposed to leave memories of pounding speakers, squeal-inducing singers and sheer awesomeness. Mine, I suppose, had all that. But what I feel most when I think of that 1981 Journey concert is sheepishness. Those tickets were hard to get, and a boy who liked me had some. I liked him well enough, just not romantically. … My Life with VetsJanuary 1st, 2010
How much is enough when it comes to taking care, medically speaking, of our pets? I wonder because I’ve been driving across town every three days so my son’s leopard gecko can receive anaerobic antibiotic injections for his apparently rare giant-head problem. We already tried surgery and oral antibiotics. We sent off a tissue sample to a laboratory. Our vet … Flashes of HopeDecember 1st, 2009
Every time the door opened, giggles burst into the hospital hallway. It was an unexpected sound. Despite bright paint and a playful design, there was no disguising the fact that this was a hospital, and this was a serious floor. Here, in the cancer-treatment section of Texas Children’s Hospital, children had surgery, chemotherapy and blood transfusions. This is where parents … How Old is Old Enough?November 1st, 2009
Until her child went to college, Jane never thought about the drinking age being anything other than 21. Later was better, of course, when it came to drinking. But now she wonders. She knows that her daughter, an 18-year-old college freshman, drinks alcohol. In fact, her daughter has told her many things she’d almost rather not know. She has heard … From Mom to MusketeerSeptember 1st, 2009
Life-changing moments come in all shapes. For me, it was a beekeeper’s mask. Actually, it just looked like a beekeeper’s mask, with its black metal mesh. “It’s for fencing,” said my husband. I finished unwrapping his Christmas present and posed awkwardly for a photo. The gift came with fencing lessons. “For me?” I thought. “You shouldn’t have. Really.” He explained … The Carpool ChroniclesAugust 1st, 2009
I have three memories of being a carpool kid. One is being forced to listen to radio news while a classmate’s dad drove without saying a word. The only sounds were the droning commentators and the buzz of his battery-operated razor. I remember thinking that a mom would never allow that vacuum of social interaction. I was shy and relied … |
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