Reflections on the Way to Work

On the eve before election day I had the privilege and honor to attend a free concert by the US Army Field Band.  After a very contentious period of Presidential campaigns and more than a year of stressed relationships between different groups of people throughout the country I can’t help but ask “Where has all the American Patriotism gone?”  Is

In furtherance of appreciating America, and embracing the spirit of patriotism, thoughts move quickly to the men and women who have defended our freedom throughout history and the sacrifices they and their families have made so that we may enjoy the benefits of democracy. I had two experiences that inspired me to write the next two passages, one to a

Be Free My Brother  Oh brother of mine My days are gray without you  Today the sun is shinin’ bright I saw your face reflecting on the Lincoln Pool And I’ve been wishin’ you were here with me Oh brother of mine I miss you so The pain is so deep I can’t go on without you Oh my brother

A Prayer for a Young Soldier  Your mama was nervous Your brothers were sad  You stood proud ‘cause Your call to duty came to be And duty you chose  A stranger stood by Wanting to say Thank you young man  But all she could say was a prayer that you would be safe And soon home in your mama’s arms

During the holidays the confluence of a holiday letter and a challenge by a member on my team created the inspiration for this reflection. The holiday letter was from dear friends of mine who lived in Homer, Alaska. After living for more than 55 years in a beautiful home on the Kenai Peninsula they sold their house and “downsized”; not