Category: Family

Happy Birthday Tony!

This post is to honor my oldest son on his 25th birthday. This was taken back in April when we went exploring and hiking in Wisconsin. I am the very proud father of this fine young man.
This post is to honor my oldest son on his 25th birthday. This was taken back in April when we went exploring and hiking in Wisconsin. I am the very proud father of this fine young man. I am looking forward to more adventures with him!

together

together

These two are usually sitting on top of the refrigerator in the apartment where me oldest son, his wife, and, their son live. I am grateful for the love they share as a family.

Devil’s Lake

Spent a few days hiking around Devil's Lake in Wisconsin with my oldest son back in April. There are some challenging paths you can hike on the bluffs that surround the lake that are basically made up of giant boulders. This was the first of what we hope will be an annual hiking adventure!
Spent a few days hiking around Devil’s Lake, Wisconsin, with my oldest son back in April. There are some challenging paths you can hike on the bluffs that surround the lake that are basically made up of giant quartzite boulders. This was the first of what we hope will be an annual hiking adventure!

family joy

Soren!

I hope you will allow a little grand-parenthood indulgence…. Soren is our first grandchild, and, I highly recommend the great wide wonderful world of grandchildren. I only knew my father’s mom: a gentle, loving soul, so, for me, it’s an extra special joy to be able to make memories and share life with this little guy. And, of course, that’s my beautiful bride with Soren. Thank you for letting me indulge.

Ruth and Soren

my back story

Plaza Colon

Above, the Plaza Colon, the main plaza in the city of Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. Below, Freddy and Carmen, my parents. I recently returned from a trip to be with my dear parents in Puerto Rico. My mom’s sister is dying, and they are taking care of her. It was a bittersweet time. My parents possess a rare kind of love that is sacrificial, wholly other centered, and without measure. I included the picture above because both the beautiful character and kindness of mom and dad, and the city of Mayaguez, are a part of my back story. It was such a pleasure to take walks with my dad and hear him tell stories… it was so good to hold my mom and be reminded of her unending care… it was so amazing to sit next to my mom’s sister while she made me laugh! I am so grateful for the facets of my back story… I hope to follow my folks in giving, loving, and laughter… I hope to share the joy they have given me with my wife and family for many years to come… thank you mom and dad…

my parents

everything is all right…

Don't you love that moment in time when you make a connection... they are usually wordless moments... but your eyes connect, and in that moment hearts are entwined, understanding
Don’t you love that moment in time when you make a connection… they are usually wordless moments… eyes connect, hearts are entwined, there is a depth of understanding, and – even if it’s just for a single moment – everything is all right…

BANG BANG! Pie Shop

Mother's Day was spent in Logan's Square, a really neat neighborhood in Chicago. What males it neat, you ask? Well... that is where my son, his dear wife and my grandson live! It also is home to BANG BANG! Pie Shop. We had a wonderful day!
Mother’s Day was spent in Logan’s Square, a really neat neighborhood in Chicago. What males it neat, you ask? Well… that is where my son, his dear wife and my grandson live! It also is home to BANG BANG! Pie Shop. We had a wonderful day!

at the altar…after 30 years

At the altar

That’s yours truly with my high school sweetheart kneeling at the altar on our wedding day 30 years ago. Our anniversary is 8 months away, but I was feeling nostalgic and remembered that we took the image below back in May of 2012 in the same church. Over the years we have “returned to the altar” many times to re-commit our love. Grateful for my bride.

…after 30 years

end of day

In our little town it seems like we are surrounded by train tracks. This was taken behind our subdivision. It's a favorite spot for my youngest son (in this image) to make movies with his buddies. It's also a great place to watch the end of day.
In our little town it seems like we are surrounded by train tracks. This was taken behind our subdivision. It’s a favorite spot for my youngest son (in this image) to make movies with his buddies. It’s also a great place to watch the end of day.

Family Time

Family Time

That’s my dear bride of 30 years in the background, my youngest son in the foreground, and in the middle: my grandson! Family time is the best. By the way, grand-parenthood comes highly recommended!