Forgiveness and renewal, two very important themes.

One reason why stories are created, is to form the framework of forgiveness. A surprising number of tragic stories are made primarily to spread forgiveness and to renew faith in humanity. Of course, it doesn't take tragedy to grant forgiveness, as many other kinds of stories prove, yet the device is well suited to bring catharsis to the audience (that is, to set free the pent up emotions and provide relief). Scary stories do this in a way, but it's the deep and haunting tales that grip your heart that provide the best return.

Many people find forgiveness very hard to secure. Whether it be forgiving themselves, or others, people like to hold grudges. Stories can teach how to forgive, why to forgive, and when to forgive. It's safe to say that even grudging forgiveness is better than allowing pain and hurt to fester inside. Look at the tale of "Hamlet" by Shakespeare, and we find a family incapable of forgiving anyone, and it leads to the doom of them all. What a powerful example! More recently, look at the musical fiction "The Greatest Showman," and the amount of forgiveness and renewal on constant display is breathtaking. I especially love how his wife and family renew the main character's passion for life by their forgiveness. It's inspiring.

Why do stories tackle such heavy and powerful themes? Well, why not? Stories are part of our human nature, so authors pour themselves into creating them. It's natural to talk about anything important to us. Also, stories provide a safe way to learn and express ideas. We get to experience situations unknown to us, and see how people might behave. When we watch other people forgive and experience renewal, it's easier for us to do the same. I love reading books where the main character is shattered personally, and then later is renewed to life. Stories aren't merely entertainment, but powerful platforms for teaching.

- M

Home is where the heart dwells.

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Have you ever been away from your home for a lengthy time? When you return, it's much more than sleeping in your own bed, surrounded by things you treasure. Home encapsulates everything we hold most dear: our family, our memories, our love. We lavish money on our homes, turning them into outward expressions of ourselves. By doing so, we put our hearts there and make it comfortable. Home is safe, cherished, desirable, and certain. Losing a home is crushing, even when nothing else is lost. Home is a sanctuary, where we can go to escape the villainy of life.

When we finally grow to the age where we leave our parent's house and fly to our own, it's tough and challenging. Until that point, we relied on someone else to provide the impetus to turn a place into a home. Crafting your own home for the first time is a mountainous achievement, yet we must go through the process or we never grow to full adulthood. Baby birds must eventually leave the nest. It's frightening and wonderful all at once. You'll never be the same again.

I think the concept of home is as natural as the need to breathe. We crave a place to belong, where we are totally ourselves (warts and all), and where the world only intrudes as much as we allow. Our hearts form a lasting bond with our homes--hardly a surprise, considering we spend a large portion of our lives therein. As a parent, I also want my home to be home for my children; a sanctuary they can run to when they cry and hurt. Maybe that's why we usually make it a point to compliment someone's home, and why the owners are so happy and proud to receive the kind words.

- M

Love is incredible.

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I am married and my wife has given me three incredible children. I was thinking about love, and thought back on parenting advice I've often heard: "Don't have a favorite child." I was confounded by the concept. It didn't seem possible. Yet, as a father, I can honestly say my love is total for each of my children. My heart isn't split four ways. It's full. I love them all completely, unequivocally, and without condition. You see, love is like that. You can love all of your children with your whole heart. If you are blessed with another child, your heart will embrace the gift absolutely and won't break. It's a miracle of life.

I'll never forget the births of my children. My wife and I happily counted the days until the expected time, then struggled through the process, and finally a fresh life entered the wide world. I can't imagine another time when such overwhelming love will wrap around me. Breathtaking. The yearning and joy and hope which infuses a crying and wriggling little baby is mind boggling. Yet, no matter how many are added, your heart happily adds another without missing a beat. There is never-ending room inside the wellspring of love. What an incredible gift love is!

Maybe this is why we value love so highly? True love is cherished and treasured, while betrayal of that love is hated and despised. It's a sign of something greater in our lives, and we yearn for it. Greek tragedies often center around the single concept of lost love, and modern romances are practically dripping with it. Love crosses all barriers, brings us closer, and binds us in ways too deep to express.

I have an answer to an old riddle: "What do you give the person who has everything?"

Give them love.

- M

Faith, hope, and love; family needs it all.

Groundhogs have family too
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Family is a firm center in everyone's lives. We all come from a father and mother, though we don't all share the blessings of remaining in that state. Wherever you find yourself, family is vital to health and happiness. Don't forget our siblings either, because they better understand us than anyone else. Family defines us, provides heartfelt values, and deepest love. Family gives us wings, trains us to fly, and lets us wing our way into the sky.

Whatever we do in life, there's a bit of our family inside it. To the heights of praise, or the depths of misery, our family is near to our thoughts. I pray there's more good than bad, more love than hate, and more hope than despair. Family is worth the time and effort to keep strong. Like most things, it takes care and attention to maintain a strong family relationship. While there's no magic solution to difficulties, there's plenty of resources available if you're struggling.

So, if your family is being a pain and annoyance, I hope you'll realize that family is still valuable beyond measure. Funny thing about treasure--it's value is what you believe it is, because even diamonds are only shiny stones to those who don't recognize them. With all the pain and suffering in the world, it's nice to have a family at your side. Give your parents a kiss. Hug your brothers and sisters. Show them just how important they are to you. Maybe you'll laugh, maybe you'll cry, and just maybe you'll experience the wonders of family all over again.

- M

Sharing sunsets with your sweetie

Have you ever shared a glorious sunset with your darling? Do you take the time to enjoy the tranquility of the rain, with your loved one at your side? Would you blink away the world, if only to spend one more sunrise together? Ah, the sweet touch of romance is intoxicating. It's possibly the most overwhelming of all emotional states, causing a plethora of sensations and effects--memory lapses, hot flashes, bewilderment, and giddiness among them. Isn't love grand?

Experiences shared with someone makes the experience far more special and memorable. I have treasured memories of many simple things, just because my wife was with me. It's truly incredible how her presence can lift the mundane to amazing, and the incredible to divine. Anything is better with her at my side. Tonight we watched a fabulous sunset burn its way down out of the sky. She squeezed my waist, gave me a sparkling kiss, and danced back to the car. I'll never forget it.

Sure, I'm a romantic and lyricize everything, but anyone can do the same. Just let your feelings flow (yes, this is one of those times you want feelings to get in the way of logic) and wallow in the froth. Invite your loved one to share in the joy of togetherness, and step into the wonders of nature together. It's well worth the effort, and you may find you'll never want to do without it ever again.

- M

I woof you! Here's a gift ...

For Valentine's Day, my wife bought me a little stuffed animal dog, with the phrase, "I woof you!" on its side. I have it sitting at my desk. It's colors are ridiculous, it's a dachshund--so is wildly stretched--and there's a crazy smile on its face. The whole thing is silly. And ... I cherish it. My wife searched, found, and purchased this stuffed animal, for the sole purpose of giving me a token of her love. Of course it means the world to me.

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Have you taken the time to give a gift of love? They don't even need to cost anything. Remember when you were young, and you made something out of a stick and gave it to your mother? She adored it, right? Yup. When we grow older, we still like getting those stupid little tidbits. Maybe it's because it demonstrates that you were actively thinking about the other person, or just that we like getting presents, but there is a lot going on beneath the surface emotions. I think it comes down to needing to be important to each other.

For some reason, there are those who disparage and put down these simple tokens of affection. I don't understand it. People want to give them. People want to receive them. Are the complaints real, or just sour people who haven't gotten any? Even at work, a simple gift is a huge gesture of friendship. Never underestimate the power of a yellow highlighter, or a can of soda pop. Find something unexpected and give it away ... who knows where it will lead.

- M

Empathy. It's the reason we put ourselves inside a story.

Think of your favorite stories of all time. I'd bet that you see yourself when you think of the main characters. Of course, you aren't really, but the feelings of the story are personal and intimate. That's not an accident. When we enjoy a story, we want to be a part of it and naturally inject ourselves into the situations. And, when those situations are relatable, we empathize in a direct way. In the end, we love the story since we can feel it in our bones.

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It's a simple thing to cause this effect, actually. Have you ever had a scrape against wood? And, when you're examining the injury, you find a splinter under the skin that you can't quite get a hold of, so you dig with your fingernails and then tweezers and finally are forced to endure the irritation? If you're visualizing that right now, you're experiencing what I'm talking about. Empathy. The story has "come alive" for you. If a story does that enough, then the audience is along for the entire ride. It's magic--the magic of the human heart.

I think this quality is why we crave stories so much. We have a deep need to experience things we normally won't achieve. I'll likely never go into space, but I've walked on the Moon with Neil Armstrong, and I can't climb mountains, yet I've been to the top of Everest and back. Stories are the love of the human experience (even if it's a science fiction alien). Discovering a new story, which sweeps you into a new world, is like finding love all over again. Wherever these tales come from, let your empathy go wild! You'll love the result.

- M

Children make life better.

My wife and I are blessed with three children. I love children, and am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of raising these three. What is endlessly fascinating is how you see the world all over again through a new set of eyes. Everything is experienced all over again, especially the things you figured were common and normal. Like mud.. what is the deal with mud? Children practically roll around in it, eat it, make pies from it, and love to show you their creations. Weird.

In stories, children are somewhat of a hit-or-miss aspect. While they can be charming, they can also be annoying. I think the reason is because of their innate immaturity (which is clearly expected) that gets them into trouble. I still cringe at the little girl in the book form of "Jurassic Park" (the movie changed it up and made the little boy the annoying one), yet one of my favorite stories is "The Neverending Story" which features many kids and is incredibly charming. There's quite a lot of discussion on the topic of children in movies, but I think it's overall a good thing. We naturally relate to children, because we all were one at some point (even if we don't admit it), but the lack of maturity can easily trample the film.

Children are a blessing to us, no doubt about it. I admire anyone with more than six these days; it must be difficult keeping control of the chaos. With children, parents quickly learn responsibility of a whole new type and grow up even more. And, we get the pleasure of watching young minds grow and prosper under our tutelage. Big responsibility, but also a very big payoff.

- M

They never really grow up, do they?

We have three marvelous children who are growing up far too quickly. I've often told them I won't allow it any more, and they must immediately stop growing up, but they haven't listened. I'm growing concerned that they actually have no intention of stopping, and want to become adults whether I approve or not. Maybe I should ground them?

At the same time, I do understand that my children will remain my children no matter how old they become. It's the tragedy of parents. We want our children to become fine men and women, yet hate to see them leave. We love their childish innocence, yet hope to see maturity and wisdom. We yearn for them to strike out on their own, yet fear for their safety. It's like being a parent is an exercise in contained terror, mixed with overwhelming emotions of love and laughter. Or, maybe I'm just going insane?

We all know the story of Peter Pan, the boy who wouldn't grow up. Throughout the story, Peter refuses to change, while the Darling children mature. It's a great story because the audience is faced with the inevitability of growing up, yet can still pretend to fight it. Sure, I joke about banning my children from getting older, but I sure don't mean it for real. My deepest desire is to watch with pride as they face the world, prepared and confident in their decisions.

Although ... maybe they could stay children for a little longer ...

- M

Spending time with your honey.

Sorry about the late blog post, but yesterday I spent all evening watching movies with my sweetheart and I wasn't about to interrupt that time for anything. In our busy world, it's far too easy to let time slip away and not spend it with the people who matter most in your life. We go to work, do our jobs, then come home and growl at anyone around and then go to sleep (well, maybe that's just me ... on a bad day). Hopefully I've learned to do better.

 

No matter if it's a formal date, a spontaneous outing, or simple time alone, being with your special lady (or man) is worth a thousand regular days. I personally enjoy a good mix of planned and unplanned. However you manage it, you'll build memories to last a lifetime. Such connections are impossible to replace, yet are built with tiny strands of shimmering moments. It's a delicate and fragile process, easy to interrupt and hard to produce.

 

 

Let our your hopelessly romantic side and really treat your loved ones with special attention. Turn off your cell phone, put aside your tablet, switch off the television and spend time together. It doesn't have to cost a nickel and I bet you'll enjoy it too. It's actually a funny thing how we need reminding to do what we already want to do.

 

Well, what are you waiting for? Go spend time with your beloved!

 

- M

Romance to last a lifetime

I really enjoy taking my wife out on dates. We talk and laugh and look in each other's eyes. There are many times when I feel we share each other's heartbeats, and breathe the same breaths. It's wondrous and surprising, bewildering and enchanting, magical and completely real. In her, I see all my dreams come true. Yes, miracles do happen--she agreed to marry me, and amazingly still appreciates my company. I can't imagine life without her. She's my soul-mate.

 

 

When I was a pining teenager, yearning for the tender kisses of love and finding them only in books and music, I comforted myself with the promise that someday my day would come. Funny thing is, I never saw it coming. Actually, when I met her, she fast became my ... best friend. There wasn't any romance in the relationship at all. We talked about everything and nothing at all. I wanted her insight and wisdom, and I revealed things to her I've never told anyone else. We got to know each other and I liked her a lot. I trusted her completely.

 

Sometime in the mix, friendship moved into something much deeper--love. I still can't place my finger on the exact time it happened. Actually, I'm not even sure I understood what romantic love was, but I was willing to take the risk with her. We prayed constantly and took it slow. She was much more eager, but never pushed me. Our friendship changed to love and deepened every day. Our love for each other is still maturing, each day. I can hardly imagine a richer love, yet I know in 25 more years it will be far beyond what I understand today.

 

Like I said, miracles do happen.

 

- M

Friends and Friendship

When I was a child, there was a saying I heard often, "If you want a friend, be a friend." The idea being that friendship starts with being friendly in the first place. It puts the onus on myself and not others. I need to initiate. Of course, if everyone is doing the same thing then it's easy to make friends. These days I see far too many people with scowls on their faces, clearly not interested in talking with anyone, and it's rather difficult to engage a sour attitude with friendliness. I still try though.

 

 

The glory of friends is you have someone to talk to who has expressed interest in you and hopefully wants to help you succeed in life. Moving to close friends and there you have someone actively wanting to help and who will be there for you in times of difficulty. Friends make life more rewarding. Personally, I have only a few close friends, though many general friends, because it's kind of hard to fully open up to anyone. Close friends know who you really are and still accept you.

 

To anyone struggling to make friends, I offer encouragement. Keep trying. Being friendly is a skill, and like any skill there are some who do it naturally and others who learn it through sheer hard work. You'll find someone, in this wide and wonderful world. Even total goofballs make friends. Cheer up, smile, and get out there. Don't give up, keep trying, and open your eyes. Sometimes all it takes is a happy face finding the eyes of a tormented soul, and if you let it, then a fast friendship can blossom.

 

- M

Where are you from? What's your hometown?

My hometown -- Telfs, Austria

At some point, we nearly always ask new acquaintances where they come from. Why do we care? Why do we want to know? Sure, we ask because we love connecting with people who are from somewhere near our own area, but even when that isn't true we still want to know. We learn about places we haven't seen, things we haven't done, and cultures we'll never be a part of. In that sense, we grow as citizens of the world. Human beings thrive on interpersonal connections, so it's only natural that we want to further it whenever the opportunity arises.

 

From a personal perspective, answering the questions offer us the opportunity to dig into our own memories and relive a bit of our childhood. I'll never forget the mountains I grew up around, or the walks through pine forests with dry pine needles cracking underfoot, or even my walk to school and the adventures I had (thinking back, I even remember my schoolmates giving me a gift LP album of the "Three Little Pigs" dramatized story--no idea what happened to that record, but at least I remember it). Those memories makeup who we fundamentally are, and it's a treat to share those with other people.

 

In the end, both sides of the question gain and improve. It's what's called a "Win-Win" situation. Plus, if you're lucky, you'll discover someone with the same hometown and you've made a quick friend. My wife and I met three states away from where we actually lived, and all because she wanted to know where I was from. Ah, the joys of asking a simple question!

 

So, where are you from?

 

- M

Falling in love, again and again and again.

 

I hope I'll never for a moment forget the whirlwind of emotions of meeting my future bride. She is my best friend, my confidant, and constant companion. I can't imagine life without her. I never expected to find her and now see her everywhere. I find myself falling in love with her over and over. There are a million little things she does that make me grin. A single glance from her can send me into orbit. She has a smile that is mine, and mine alone. I always know I'm home when I see her face light up.

 

When I saw my children born, I experienced the surge of instant love I'd only read about until then. It's a different sort of love, yet every bit as strong as my love for my wife. The funny thing is, I find myself growing in leaps of love for them as well. I could never have imagined such depth even ten years ago, much less twenty. Children are a profound blessing.

 

I think we're hard wired to love. Look how easily we extend our love to the animals we choose as pets, or any animals at all for that matter. Loving is as natural as breathing. If I live to be a hundred, I hope I'll fall in love with my wife and kids a whole lot more.

 

- M

Love stories don't have to be sappy, it just helps...

I'm a guy, and being a guy I can't say I fully understand why romance stories are so popular. Yes, I'm talking about the drippy, icky, and overly emotional sob stories we see on the shelves at the local supermarkets. It's a huge market. Don't get me wrong, I adore a good romance story and have cried waterfalls. But, I think there's a lot more to love stories than spiraling emotion and yearnings. Classic literature bears this out, as "Romeo and Juliet" is considered one of the greatest romances ever told (yes, it has it's sappy moments--balcony scene, I'm looking at you), and there is far more going on that simple attraction.

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We live lives surrounded by distractions, interruptions, imperfections, and failure. Stories lift us up from such things for a time, and so we want those tales to be more than real. Love is a universal yearning. The joy of romance is the wealth of feelings engendered. Watching someone in the throes of new love is like watching an illness take hold and ravage a body. If you didn't know the source, you'd think the person actually ill and take them to the doctor. Yup, love compares to being sick very well.

 

I think, despite sappy successes, that we truly want stories which drive below the surface and give us something deep and powerful. Stories like those will last in the hearts of everyone who experienced them. We long remember loves, probably more so than pain. Humans want to love and be loved. It's natural. As the saying goes, "Give them what they want."

 

- M

Marrying the finest woman history has ever produced.

I believe it's every husband's right to put their wife on a pedestal. Not to worship them, but to honor, respect, and cherish. No one could ever convince me that my wife is anything less than a miracle sent my way. I'm alive because of her, healthy because of her, in a fine career because of her, and directly chasing my dream of full-time writing because of her. My life is better in every way because of her influence and presence. I cannot imagine life without her.

 

Beyond all these praises, she is the wisest and truest person I've ever known. Her ability to see to the depths of things constantly surprises me. We talk all the time and so I get to hear what she thinks about a wealth of issues. Because we are intertwined in marriage, we seek each other's advice and thoughts. I value her opinion above anyone else's. She is my partner in life. And, as hard as it is to believe sometimes, she loves me.

 

There isn't a day when I don't thank God for bringing us together. She is my gift, my blessing, my hope, my dream, and a spectacular kisser! (Oh, sorry kids, getting mushy).

 

May all her days be blessed, may the work she does be honored, and may she glow in the hearts of all those who know her.

 

Beth. Isn't she lovely!

- M

A fairy tale engagement

Many people have asked to hear our engagement story, because it's a bit unusual. I wanted to make it something very special for her, and a treasured memory for the rest of our lives.

 

We met at a camp, were we both were working on staff for the summer. Three states away from our homes, and we noticed each other the first night. We kicked a rock back and forth, then I bent down and noticed it was in the shape of a heart (I still have it in my memory chest). The next day, coming back from town in the camp bus, we showed each other little quirks--I have a bent finger that wiggles oddly, she can pop her hip in and out, I can cross my eyes and make them shake, she can make claws with the very first knuckle of her fingers. Yup, we instantly liked each other. She has the most wonderful laugh!

 

After three days I called home and told my father that I had a girlfriend (my first in actuality). She became my best friend immediately. I told her everything, even secrets nobody else knew. Talking together was natural, desired, and more fulfilling than anything I'd experienced to that point. We never interfered with our duties as camp staff, but we wrote letters to each other every day (three, four, five times a day). At night, we snuck out and sat under the stars and talked about the future, our hopes and dreams, and anything else that came to mind.

 

After a while, the attraction between us was pretty obvious (despite our attempts to hide it). Even an exchanged glance was enough to give us away. By the middle of the summer we were holding hands. At the weekly campfire for the campers, I told her I loved her (actually, she did first and then I responded back). We would go for walks at night and talk even more. It was a magical time.

 

At the end of the summer, we took a week off and went to visit our folks. I asked her to marry me. She said yes. But, that's not the fun part. We returned to camp and had to hide our engagement so we could be there fore the campers and not each other. But, I had a plan. I told her that I would ask her to marry me at the campfire (last of the summer), in front of everyone--to finally make it public. Thing was, I tricked her.

 

A rodeo was the final big event every week; the campers invited their families and did all kinds of activities. Usually around 200 people were there. Right in the middle of it all, when they were preparing for the pig chase, there was an announcement for "Beth, please come to the other side of the arena..." And then, "No, through the center of the arena." When she came through, I had them play "Pretty Woman" by Roy Orbison. I walked out from the back gate, took the microphone and got down on one knee. The crowd went crazy. I asked her to marry me and she said, "I'd be delighted to." I gave her a diamond ring (actually just cut glass) and a rose.

 

We walked to the bleachers and sat in the crowd. I don't remember any more of the rodeo. I just remember that she glowed like the sun. No woman could ever be as perfect as she. I wish I had a recording of it (someone did tell me they had it filmed and would send a copy, but I never got it). Ah well, the memory is as bright right now as it was 25 years ago.

 

I love you, sweetheart. You're my truest best friend, my companion, my love, and my wife. Forever.

 

Radiant Beth and Goofy Mark

 

- M

Romance ... a guy's point of view

Traditionally speaking, women are the romantic titans of our world. But, that certainly hasn't stopped me, and many other men, from tickling the brains of our lovely mates. So, I thought I'd speak about romance from a man's point of view; what it means to us, why we do it, and especially how we manage. Don't worry, it's nothing you can't handle.

 

First is what romance means to a man (also tying into why). Not to be crude, but it means we get girls. At least, that's the starting point. We do actually desire to make life grand and exciting for the women in our lives. And, we know romance matters, so there is great motivation to get good at it. Sadly, many men forget this fact after marriage and let it all lapse. Romance is just as important afterwards as it is beforehand. Sure, it's not a swimmingly natural thing for us guys, but the work is more worthwhile than anything else.

 

The difficult part is managing romance. Getting a book and following the steps can help (at least giving ideas) but it's artificial and women know it--though I suspect they appreciate the effort. Guys have a more utilitarian focus when it comes to romance (which is how the stereotypical blender gift came about), but with a bit of thought it really isn't very hard to sweep a woman off her feet. Sincerity, honesty, and heaps of respect are very sweet romance. I've had particular success with love letters--no surprise as I'm a writer--but written letters are keepsakes and will be treasured and kept, trust me.

 

From a man's point of view, romance is a path to a great finish. It's not that we don't value romance itself--we do actually--it's just that we mainly focus on the results. We laugh and joke about it. We act shy and blush at the mention. But, it's far more important to us than we let on.

 

xoxoxoxo Hugs and Kisses xoxoxoxo

- M

Ode to Marriage and other delights

Forgive me if I chuckle when someone says marriage because I'm often reminded of the scene from "The Princess Bride" where the sage old priest says it more like, "mawage is whad bwings uf togever today." It's a great movie and a wonderful scene. Marriage is indeed filled with laughter, delight, fancy, and comfort. As it should be. Sure, there are difficult times, but when man and woman bond together with diligence and honor it is a song that lifts the heavens to new heights. There are few things more amazing than marriage!

 

It does take work. People sometimes ask how I've stayed married for nearly 25 years. My typical answer is communication, because without talking there's nothing to base your relationship upon. You need to know each other, and that just doesn't happen without talking (not texting, not emailing, and certainly not leaving notes). You need to look into each other's eyes and spill out your hopes and dreams. And, keep talking. Find a quiet place and talk. Our favorite is outside, under the stars, out away from the city lights.

 

And, dreaming of finding the woman who would be my wife filled many nights with heart-rending longing. I've probably listened to enough love songs to give a stadium full of teenagers the silly giggles. I never expected to find her so far away ... more on that another day. Then, for her to tell me, "I'd be delighted to," when I asked for her hand in marriage ... ah, it was better than the sweetest ambrosia.

 

Marriage is a delight beyond anything I could have imagined before.

 

- M

Ode to my brother

I'm proud of my brother. I'm proud of the things he's done. I'm proud of the man he is. I'm proud to be his younger brother. Like any of us, his life experiences are very different from my own, but we share a family, a love of planes, and a deep respect for our wives and children. I love to brag that he is a pilot (not just any kind of pilot, but an instructor for other pilots while in the Air Force). I'd trust him with my life, the lives of my children and my wife. He'll do everything he can to help, and would give you the shirt off his back without a thought.

My brother with my youngest daughter

Yet, distance separates us. It's impossible to be as close as we'd like. I have visions of family picnics and barbeques, laser tag and trampoline parties. Half a country is a long way, even with the wonders of modern communication. Sadly true, distance makes us lazy in our relationships. I do wish my children knew my brother better. He's a great man, and a great brother. His children adore him, and his wife loves him.

There are precious few real compliments in our world. One of them, is: you're like your brother. I imagine most of us with brothers would take that very well. I love my brother, and I'm proud of him. Perhaps we will spend some more time together in the future. I'd like to think so. Whatever happens, I'm glad he's in my life.

- M