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 →

What’s in a name, part 1

Our middle son will turn 17 on May 2, and this is the perfect time to look at how our penchant for family names resulted in him being named "Harris Goodman Wallace." See what I mean about the hair? Our second born was the only one of the three we didn’t know the gender of … Continue reading What’s in a name, part 1 →

Car, don’t fail me now

Car trouble is never convenient. I’ve experienced unfortunately timed car trouble twice in my life. The trauma of the episodes, though not life threatening, imprinted on me the lifelong commitment to only drive reliable transportation. When mileage or frequency of repairs begin to add up, I lose faith in my vehicle and must sell it … Continue reading Car, don’t fail me now →

Fists of fury

“I’m a runner, not a fighter” is my standard line when the subject of fighting comes up. I am not prone to aggression, but twice in my life I found myself involved in the kinds of fisticuffs that boys have been getting into since the beginning of time. My fighting form resembled the gentlemanly and … Continue reading Fists of fury →

The wisest person I’ve ever known

The Rev. Billy Mauldin was my pastor from birth until age 12 when my family moved to Central Florida. Brother Mauldin, as he was known in our home and in our church, embodied the calling of “pastor” for me and was my ideal for a preacher, counselor and leader. The Rev. Billy Mauldin My earliest … Continue reading The wisest person I’ve ever known →

Just Like Mama Used to Say

I really miss colorful, old-timey idioms in everyday speech. Original turns-of-phrase catch my ear and bring joy to my heart. The better a person is at coming up with such quips on the spot, the more I admire them for their quick wit, intellect and personality. You know the kind of sayings I’m talking about: … Continue reading Just Like Mama Used to Say →

My spelunking adventure

In February 2008, not long after my oldest son, Barron, turned 7, the two of us went with our Cub Scout pack to Cumberland Caverns in McMinnville, Tennessee. The excursion included a walking tour, an adventure tour, spending the night in the cave, and eating breakfast underground the next morning. It was Barron’s first overnight … Continue reading My spelunking adventure →

Rigorously pre-planned, spontaneous romance

Valentine's Day is supposed to be about romance. After 24-plus years of marriage, romance can be elusive. To help Carla and me, and hopefully you, rekindle the spark of true love, here is the 100% true story of the night I asked Carla Barron to be my wife, by far the most romantic moment of … Continue reading Rigorously pre-planned, spontaneous romance →

First born

I am the firstborn son of a firstborn son, but it wasn’t until my first son was born 21 years ago that I began to understand how little I knew about being a parent. Carla and I waited until she finished her master of social work degree before having children. It took us a little … Continue reading First born →