Spoiler Alert Before you read the rest of this article, here are a few points I hope you will take away and share with your children. Love your neighbors. Even when you disagree with their actions, don’t hate the actors. Tell your stories respectfully, but passionately. Go outside. Appreciate community and cherish the opportunity to…
I wrote this article originally in 2021. It speaks to a broad range of acceptance. I thought it was worth remembering once again that listening to understand is a good habit; broadening our perspective is healthy and inclusion is not a bad thing. From 2021: As a licensed attorney I must attend continuing education…
My Window The view from my home office looks out onto a cul-de-sac. Recently our neighborhood has begun to “turn over” as long-time residents have retired, others have answered career opportunities and they have moved on. In their place, we have welcomed new families mostly with school-aged children. Girls and boys ranging in age from…
In a few weeks, we will hold our yearly Evening with Be There Dad event. This annual gathering is a time for dads to reflect on the “big picture” of fatherhood. The theme for discussion this year will be “beyond carpool line”. Specific Lessons, Experiences and Skills I have written often about enabling our children…
Recently there has been a lot of talk about making sure our country is a meritocracy. Meritocracy has been defined as a society in which people are chosen and moved into positions of success, power and influence on the basis of their demonstrated abilities and merit. Meritocracy That is not a totally undesirable aspiration. Knowing…
I coached rec league soccer for fifteen years. From kindergarteners to seniors in high school. Boys and girls. Experienced players and newcomers. I think if you asked the parents whose kids were on our teams, they would tell you that I was usually patient and compassionate. Occasionally I had to be strict. Sports were vehicles…
On this Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday, a time of remembrance, reflection and hope for unity; I remember a moment that changed my life forever. A Long Way From Home A dozen years ago, my colleague and I traveled along North Tryon Street just after 5 pm on a Tuesday afternoon. We turned into a…
On a chilly Saturday morning just a few weeks ago, I participated in a tree planting event at a CMS Middle School. On that morning in December, my hope was renewed once again. It was a day that just made me feel good. Trees Charlotte The event was coordinated by a non-profit organization called Trees…
Jimmy Carter, former President of the United States died this week. Because of the extensive media coverage, we all had a chance to look once more at the life, legacy and history of this remarkable man. In my never-ending search for role models, former President Carter is certainly high on the list. A leader. A…
Early in my time coaching kids’ basketball and soccer, after devoting much time and energy to practice and games; I asked myself if the time and effort were worth it. I asked myself if I was making a difference. I wondered, if like a box of Cracker Jack, there was a prize somewhere inside. Now,…