The other day I was leading a staff meeting in my department at The Everett Clinic. We were discussing some important issues in our work. After the meeting, I felt that I hadn’t done a very good job in my role as a leader…I did too much talking and not enough listening. I hadn’t facilitated a very productive discussion--I was disappointed in my performance. This stimulated me to think about the nature of leadership. Read more about The Art and Craft of Leadership

My good friend, Steve, died last week, 8 months after his diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. I spent many hours with him over these last months, trying to provide him with support and companionship. It was very painful to watch him slide towards his death. At the end of his life, the cancer had stripped him of every ounce of muscle. He was skin and bones. He was able to die at home, surrounded by his family. Read more about Our future is unknown and uncertain

The other day, two parents sat in my office, discussing their very different parenting styles. Mary tends to be strict and likes to set clear limits for their 11-year-old daughter, Sarah. Tim appreciates a softer touch--he is sympathetic to Sarah's challenges. He is more likely to give their youngster what she wants, if he feels that she has a good reason. Their problem is not their differences--it’s that they don't support each other on the family battleground. When an issue arises--they argue with each other in front of Sarah about what to do. Or, one rolls their eyes at the other. Read more about Supporting Your Partner

Even couples that have been together for many years may not take the time to sit down and discuss their relationship. They don’t talk about their expectations, their disappointments, and their needs. They only focus on problems that arise. Watching movies together can stimulate conversation and exploration of important issues that are not major problems. Read more about Keeping your marriage healthy by watching movies

Mark and Kim tried to conceive a baby for two years. After some medical tests, the young couple finally accepted that it would be impossible for them to have a baby of their own. After days of anguished discussion, they decided to try AID or Artificial Insemination by Donor. After a few months, Kim became pregnant and later they were both the proud parents of a beautiful baby daughter, Amy. But now they wondered, when Amy is old enough, should they tell her how she was conceived. Should they tell her that Mark is not her biological father? Read more about Tell the truth?