The men’s book club I belong to was having a get-together to discuss what we were reading, King of Kings by Scott Anderson. Naturally, I decided the evening also needed a brisket. Because apparently, a group of grown men cannot discuss history without thirteen pounds of smoked meat nearby.I offered to make it because I had done one last year, and it was a hit. That sounds generous, but it also meant I had created my own problem. Once people love something, you’re no longer just bringing food. You’re defending a title.

Now that I'm firmly entrenched in the Encore stage of life, the profound saying "Youth is wasted on the young" resonates.  If you don't know what I'm talking about, enjoy the ride, but emphasis on enjoy, because, as humans, we all have an end date.  When we were young, what did we know?  We thought we knew it all and took so much for granted and only as the years scrolled by did we begin to know, learn and suffer the hard truths.  

Years ago there was a public service announcement on television asking whether you know where your children are.I’m not sure when it started, or whether that public service announcement was the cause, but my family got into the habit of letting one another know when we were flying.My daughter, who has been traveling via air quite a bit lately, continues our thoughtful tradition. When I know she’s traveling, it is always wonderful to get that text that says “Landed”. 

There is something about going on a cruise that really catches my interest. Maybe it’s the fact that my wife and I are foodies and love trying different food. Maybe it’s about setting sail and not having to worry about doing much, if you choose to or doing a lot if that is your desire. What I do know is that it is one of our favorite types of vacation and we look forward to planning our next trip as soon as we get back home. 

We planned this day months ago to be a special occasion celebration.   Bill and I really enjoy local theatre, especially musical theatre. We have so many choices here on Long Island. We had tickets to Camelot, which neither of us had seen before.  And, we made reservations in a special occasion restaurant nearby that I had really wanted to try.Sounds fun, right? It was. But here is the point of my story.

I have been gripped by every detail of the rescue operation of the five men in Laos who became trapped in a cave by rising rainwater. After being trapped for over a week, and after extensive rescue attempts, they were able to walk out of the cave on Saturday. Every so often, a news story captures the attention of people around the world and unites us in hope and anticipation.  

In March I delivered a eulogy for a dear friend that formed the basis for my blog the following Sunday.  I said what makes that friend special involves one word: LOYALTY.  I later stated, “Loyalty represents the highest praise I place on any relationship.”   A Gotham blog by another covered loyalty nearly 16 years ago following a discussion at two Gotham group meetings where the group chairs asked attendees to identify their favorite superhero.  Many found favor with a certain individual by selecting the guy who prote

Somewhere along the way, disagreeing became uncomfortable.Not a rude disagreement or the loud, obnoxious kind where someone just wants to win the room and hear their own voice. I mean thoughtful, professional disagreement. The kind where someone says, “I see it differently,” and then explains why.Too often, we avoid that moment by nodding and softening our opinion. We might say, “That makes sense,” even when it really doesn’t. Maybe we don’t want to offend anyone or be seen as difficult. It just feels easier to keep the peace.