Grandkids: Get involved in Community Organizations!

Grandson Declan asks: “You have demonstrated the importance of becoming an active, valuable member of your community. What goes into becoming that?” Dear Decky: At the present time, you and your cousins are still in the early stages of your lives. Seven have recently graduated from college, four are presently in college, and three are … Continue reading Grandkids: Get involved in Community Organizations! →

Brought Up By Baseball

"I really had no choice in the matter. My parents had made the decision to move from Roundhouse Street in Braidwood to Walker Street when I was three years old; from a normal small-town neighborhood to a house adjacent to the baseball field. It was only 90 feet from my bedroom to the field, the … Continue reading Brought Up By Baseball →

“Don’t tell Mom! She doesn’t need to know.”

Grandchild asks: “What was something as a kid that you could spend hours doing and never get tired of it?” Dear Grandchild: Now, you first have to realize that we didn’t have all the distractions you kids now have. Life for a youngster was fairly simple with a lot of free time. I had no mobile phone … Continue reading “Don’t tell Mom! She doesn’t need to know.” →

My Day in Stateville: Facing a Killer

"As I stepped into the batter’s box, I realized that I was facing pitcher 'Shotgun' Bilcher, a convicted killer. At age 19, I just wanted to get a hit and 'Shotgun' was just another ballplayer. Right." Every year Lewis College and my semi-pro team, Nielsen Gas Station, scheduled baseball games at the two Joliet penal … Continue reading My Day in Stateville: Facing a Killer →

Advice From Grandpa? Maybe Not!

I had made the choice to share 80 stories that I thought that the grandkids needed to know about life as seen through the fading eyes of an old man. This is not the same as telling stories that they want to know. Question: “Teaching - directly or indirectly - is a big part of … Continue reading Advice From Grandpa? Maybe Not! →

“Grandpa, what was school like for you when you were 7?”

"Was it a lot different then now?" Claire, age 7 I had made the choice to share 80 stories that I thought that the grandkids needed to know about life as seen through the fading eyes of an old man. This is not the same as telling stories that I think they want to know. … Continue reading “Grandpa, what was school like for you when you were 7?” →

“Don’t Be a Squirrel.” Grandpa Talks Careers

Grandchild asks: “What would be your advice for people in their early twenties who aren't sure of their career path? Did decisions surrounding your career become clearer with age?” Dear grandkids: Many of you are between 19 – 25 years of age, have either completed or are in college, and believe that decisions must be … Continue reading “Don’t Be a Squirrel.” Grandpa Talks Careers →

Grandkid Question: “Talk About a Bad Decision.”

I had made the choice to share 80 stories that I thought that the grandkids needed to know about life as seen through the fading eyes of an old man. This is not the same as telling stories that they want to know. Why not invite them to ask their questions? Grandkid asks: "I am … Continue reading Grandkid Question: “Talk About a Bad Decision.” →

Grandpa Responds: “Surprises in My Life?”

I had made the choice to share 80 stories that I thought that the grandkids needed to know about life as seen through the fading eyes of an old man. This is not the same as telling stories that they want to know. Why not invite them to ask their questions? Grandchild asks: "What were/are … Continue reading Grandpa Responds: “Surprises in My Life?” →

Grandkid Question: “What Was Pop Culture Like Growing Up?”

I had made the choice to share 80 stories that I thought that the grandkids needed to know about life as seen through the fading eyes of an old man. This is not the same as telling stories that they want to know. Why not invite them to ask their questions? By putting together these two … Continue reading Grandkid Question: “What Was Pop Culture Like Growing Up?” →