by Mark O'Brien | Dec 26, 2014
In 2004, the priest who presided over the high-school graduation of my son, Quinn, said this, acknowledging the myriad difficulties of the age in which the accidents of our births find us in existence: “We are blessed with challenges.” My first reaction...
by Mark O'Brien | Dec 25, 2014
JoAnna, Jonathan, and I wish you a happy, healthy Holiday Season and a bright, prosperous New Year.
by Mark O'Brien | Dec 24, 2014
In the song, “Turn, Turn, Turn”, made famous by the Byrds, though adapted from Ecclesiastes 3:1 by George Aber and Pete Seeger, we learn this: “To everything, there is a season and a time to every purpose under Heaven.” So it is, then,...
by Mark O'Brien | Dec 23, 2014
Since the traditional holiday season is upon us, it might be helpful present some of the other holidays celebrated at this time of year. In addition to the ones listed here, a few more warrant elucidation: Free Gluten Day, December 17: Not to be confused with...
by Mark O'Brien | Dec 22, 2014
For man, unlike any other thing organic or inorganic in the universe, grows beyond his work, walks up the stairs of his concepts, emerges ahead of his accomplishments. (John Steinbeck, The Grapes of Wrath) Like so many other inexplicable occurrences in my life, I...
by Mark O'Brien | Dec 17, 2014
One of my posts elicited a comment from a wonderful lady, Lupe Eyde-Tucker, that reminded me of how meaningful our stories are — and how important it is to share them. Thank you, Lupe, for the reminder and for inspiring me to share this story. Some years ago, I took...