Most people exist, that is all — There are seemingly insignificant moments in life that end up staying with us forever. My travels abroad to Ireland, Scotland, Italy, Costa Rica, and elsewhere were all pleasant, memorable experiences. I happily discuss these trips with friends at social gatherings, and they return the favor with talk of their travels. …

And hold it close all your life — Charlie was a bear of a man, standing well over six feet tall with a robust paunch sustained by steak, potatoes, and a fidelity to evening cocktails. He moved like a lumbering bear, juggling a basket full of tennis balls in one meaty hand, and a large Wilson tennis bag…

Betterment is great, but contentment is better — I was on my way to the frozen yogurt shop recently when I spotted a ripped, shirtless dude jogging effortlessly down the street in 105-degree heat. Here in southern Nevada, our summers get hot. We have little humidity, but even dry heat can lead to dehydration, severe sunburn, heat exhaustion…

To say goodbye is to die a little — I’m ten years old, playing down in the creek at the base of our driveway. It’s winter 1974, and the woods surrounding the creek are wet from fresh rain. The acidic flux of old oak trees fills the air with a soft vinegar aroma, and the lichens smell earthy and…

Seeking a window out — The alert tone startled me as I sipped lukewarm coffee in my patrol car. It was almost 3 AM, and the radio had been quiet for some time. After the alert tone, the dispatcher’s voice reported an alarm at the only gun shop in town. I poured my coffee out…

I don’t think I was that horrible of a human — Rong Liang Chia is battling stage three Pancreatic cancer. Most patients with Stage III pancreatic cancer will develop a recurrence of their cancer after surgery. According to one medical website: “The majority of patients with Stage III disease have micrometastases that cannot be detected with currently available tests and cannot…

You need to let the music out of you — I bought a baby grand piano yesterday, even though I can’t afford it. My wife and I downsized recently, selling our house with a pool and guest cottage for a smaller house with a view of the mountains. The goal is to simplify our lives, cut down on unnecessary expenses…

Not in knowledge is happiness, but in the acquisition of knowledge — Whenever he visited Annie he always smuggled in a flask of whisky. Her mind may have been deep in the woods, wandering down deer trails of old memories and dreams, but her taste for whisky remained faithful. Sometimes, it even summoned glimmers of lucidity, and the old Annie would emerge…

Let people know they are not alone‹ — When my 87-year-old mother was dying in my arms, after years of Parkinson’s disease stole her mobility and health, I found myself saying three words softly by her ear. “I’ve got you.” I repeated these three words over and over, as her breathing slowed, and her beautiful soul finally fled…