School is out! It’s that time of year again. The birds are singing and the days are longer. It’s the season for family vacations!

Starting in May, I count the weeks till my vacation in August. My family treks to the seashore, to play in the sand. I fantasize about clams and salmon, the pounding surf, and long bicycle rides on winding roads. I see myself soaking up the sun, and letting the sea and sand repair my body, mind, and spirit. Anticipating this respite gives me a warm glow. Read more about Bring realistic expectations to summer vacation

My good friend gently complained about the trials of living with his elderly, somewhat demented, mom. “She keeps asking me the same thing over and over again” he exclaimed, “Sometimes it just drives me crazy!”.

My oldest daughter, a new mom with a 4-month-old, grumbled about waking up to soothe her daughter 4 times a night in the last two days. She was so tired!

My wife, who is recovering from a rare condition that resulted in a moderate hearing loss, shared how terrible it can feel. Read more about Finding the light in the dark

My father, like most men of his generation, knew little about being a dad. He came home late on weekdays. He spent his evening hours commuting home or at a part-time teaching job. On weekends, he paid bills. Sunday mornings, he and I would drive to the local bakery—together we would buy brightly colored Danish pastries for brunch. It was one of the few times during the week that I spent time alone with my Dad.
We spent so little time together. Each moment, however mundane, felt special to me. Read more about Men search to become real fathers