Having parents in their late eighties who’ve been married for 67 years, I can appreciate the following short story about getting older: A 92-year-old, petite, well-poised and proud man, who is fully dressed each morning by eight o’clock, with his hair fashionably combed and shaved perfectly, even though he is legally blind, moved to a […]

No one is in charge of your happiness except you. Melanie Hack Author of Who Killed My Sister, My friend Read an excerpt now TV Shows and Clips about the Death of Cindy James

I have been battling cancer for several months. The support of friends and family is key to keeping morale up, but I feel more alone than ever. I hardly hear from my friends. When I pick up the phone to say, “Hello,” they say they haven’t called because they don’t want to disturb me. Or […]

The impending death of a parent is a ‘big picture’ wakeup call. As we watch our parents deteriorate physically, and maybe mentally, we think of ourselves and wonder what will happen to us as we age. And our roles change. Sometimes they are the glue that holds a family together…a reason to get together for […]

Remember to always say what you mean. And if you love someone, tell him or her because when you decide that it is the right time…it might be too late. Go ahead…seize the day. Never have regrets. And most importantly, stay close to your friends and family. They’ve helped make you the person you are […]

There was this little girl sitting by herself in the park. Everyone passed by her and never stopped to see why she looked so sad. Dressed in a worn pink dress, barefoot and dirty, the girl just sat and watched the people go by. She never tried to speak. She never said a word. Many […]

“Today is the anniversary of my father’s death. He was brilliant…a genius…curious…and had an extraordinary gentleness. He never said one hurtful word to me. Every time I told him what I wanted to be when I grew up, he would say, ‘You can be whatever you want!’ “He was truly an amazing person and father.” […]

Brother David Steindl-Rast is a Benedictine monk, author and spiritual leader who implores us to open our eyes and really look at our day and all the blessings in it. Watch his fantastic video called “A Good Day”. It’s 5 minutes and 32 seconds long:   Melanie Hack Author of Who Killed My Sister, My […]

With Father’s Day fast approaching, here is an appropriate tale. I guarantee you will remember “The Wooden Bowl” tomorrow, a week from now, a month from now, a year from now: A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year-old grandson. The old man’s hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step […]

To realize the value of a sister/brother: Ask someone who doesn’t have one.  To realize the value of ten years: Ask a newly divorced couple. To realize the value of four years: Ask a graduate. To realize the value of one year: Ask a student who has failed a final exam. To realize the value of nine months: Ask a mother who […]