Category Archives: Reflections

Choosing a focus

On a recent winter’s morning, I took this photo on my commute, pulling over to catch the scene: heavy traffic, Route 1 strip mall, sky strung with power lines and street lights, sunlit clouds, doves warming themselves in the golden light. What … Continue reading

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Compassion, pity, and “empathy burnout”

A dear friend, who recently experienced several weeks of unemployment, wrote that through this ordeal she noticed that, “sometimes people feel sorry for you, then they feel compassion, then they feel pity.” Her observation reminded me of the responses I received … Continue reading

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The textures of October

On a short hike recently, I came to a mailbox in the middle of the woods. It was painted green, with red flag raised, and words on the side instructing the visitor to “Please Sign Book in Box.” Next to … Continue reading

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Happy Mother’s Day, Jerome

My thoughtful daughters gave me colorful flowers and a lobster dinner, but the most memorable part of my Mother’s Day was helping to save a young man from himself while simultaneously betraying him. I first saw him through my front … Continue reading

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Trusting the rutted trail

I felt a strong sense of foreboding as I pedaled my bike to the beginning of the path through the woods one August evening a few years ago. Deeply shaded by the heavy growth of late summer and cutting through … Continue reading

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A beautiful wind on the river

Two of my fellow sailors were out enjoying the river this lovely day–and rubbing my nose in the fact that I had to work at my indoor “day job” and could not spend the day as they were, flying across … Continue reading

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Delicious night ride

This afternoon I felt irritation as I realized that, once again, I was not going to leave work on time. Minutes before “quitting time,” my boss had something important to discuss, and it could not wait. I was going to … Continue reading

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The courage to turn the other cheek

One evening last week, I asked a friend to make plans to come through on a favor he had gladly offered me in exchange for a favor to him. I sent the request by text message, since I know that … Continue reading

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Keeping connection

The past two weeks have been difficult, as I have dealt with an injured wrist that has kept me from sailing, cycling and gardening. These favorite physical activities help me keep my life in balance, so when I cannot engage … Continue reading

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Here’s to dads!

Here’s to the dads who consciously and actively parent. To the ones who protect- and engage with their children, the ones who enjoy and adore their kids, the ones who practice patience, express love, and take pride in the young … Continue reading

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