The summer of 1986 was glorious, until it wasn’t. In the first two weeks after school ended, I met the younger sister of a woman in our church. She was my age and visiting for the summer from Chicago. When you grow up a preacher’s kid in a congregation with limited teenagers in a small … Continue reading A memorable/terrible birthday
Tag: Southern
Childhood stories about ‘Little Lancer’
Stories not only describe a life; they can shape it as well. That’s true for the stories I’ve heard about my infancy and childhood as I have constructed my life’s narrative. These stories contain clues that explain my reluctance to change, fastidiousness, stubbornness, refusal to give in, and spreading joy with humor and good spirits. … Continue reading Childhood stories about ‘Little Lancer’
‘Stranger Things’ and nostalgic fads from my childhood
As my family indulges in season four of Netflix's hit series "Stranger Things," I'm once again overwhelmed with '80s nostalgia. It has led to many conversations with my boys about which fads of the era I embraced. No, I did not have Steve Harrington hair. Yes, I was a high school journalism nerd. No, I … Continue reading ‘Stranger Things’ and nostalgic fads from my childhood
Beach happy
I am blessed with myriad joys in my life -- being married to Carla, parenting three wonderful young men, participating in our family of faith at Parkway Baptist Church, and many more. When joy is given a location -- the now cliche "happy place" -- my mind always goes to our summer family vacations to … Continue reading Beach happy
College visits produce anxiety, nostalgia
The joke about campus tours is that they’re all the same. This short video from College Humor captures it nicely. After taking two such tours this week with my middle son, Harris, I’ve concluded that, yes, touring campuses starts to feel like deja vu after a while, but if you’re paying attention, there’s a lot … Continue reading College visits produce anxiety, nostalgia
Becoming my father
As I age, I hear my father’s words come out of my mouth with greater frequency. I see how strongly I have been imprinted by my father. I have his creativity, work ethic, conviction, stubbornness, and tendency toward anger as a way of expressing concern. I deeply love and respect my father, and as my … Continue reading Becoming my father
Above ground
This time of year always makes me nostalgic for the glorious summer-and-a-half my family had an above-ground swimming pool. With temperatures climbing into the 90s now, I can't help but wish for a dip in the pool like those carefree summer days in my pre-teens. This vintage ad from the 1980s gives you an idea … Continue reading Above ground
Thank a teacher
We've reached the season of commencement ceremonies, high school graduations, end-of-year awards banquets and last-day-of-school parties. As another exhausting academic year comes to a close, remember to thank your teachers. I graduated from Troy University 30 years ago next month. Here's a heartfelt note of appreciation to my primary journalism professor: We arrived at Troy … Continue reading Thank a teacher
Beware of the sloppy joe
All families have stories that approach legendary status. Ours is the story of my dad and the sloppy joe. It's probably the family story I tell most often because my tradition-loving middle son, Harris, insists I tell it every time we eat sloppy joes. Have plenty of napkins on hand and maybe look into some … Continue reading Beware of the sloppy joe
My mother’s voice
I can’t remember the last time I heard my mother sing. I’m sure it was during a visit to my parents’ church before my dad retired, but that was four or five years ago now. I didn’t realize I missed hearing her sing until a clear childhood memory of Mom practicing a solo for our … Continue reading My mother’s voice
New South Essays 