During our walk, something about Dacks caught my attention. His usual pattern of walking ahead, then doubling back, played out as it always has. But this time, when he turned, his focus wasn’t solely on Cassie, but also on Judah, our son. Dacks has always taken it upon himself to check in on the group, … Continue reading Leader of the Pack
Category: Family
Held in the Stillness
The other night, after bath time, I found myself sitting on the bathroom floor, holding my son wrapped up in his towel. His tiny body relaxed into mine, the warmth of the bath still lingering. At 3 months old, he doesn’t know much about the world, but he knows when he’s safe, when he’s held … Continue reading Held in the Stillness
Clarity in the Blur
It’s strange how blurry those first few weeks of recovery are. I know my wife was there—caring for me and our newborn—but if I’m honest, I barely remember most of it. The days in the hospital, the frustration of not being able to move, and the fog of constant pain all blend. But this photo… … Continue reading Clarity in the Blur
The Road Between
Leaving camp is always tough. As I watched the last sunset over the Adirondacks, that familiar bittersweet feeling washed over me. The drive back to Chicago was long, but this time it was different—my wife and child flew ahead, leaving me to drive with my brother. It had been a while since we’d spent real … Continue reading The Road Between
Echoes of a 33-Year-Old
Turning 33, I am reflecting deeply on the life of Jesus, who also lived to this age. It’s remarkable how little we know about most of His life. Between the celebrated events of His birth and the start of His public ministry at “about thirty years of age” (Luke 3:23), the Gospels provide scant details. … Continue reading Echoes of a 33-Year-Old
Pursuit of Excellence
There once was a park renowned for its serene beauty. At the park's heart is a quaint garden bordered by a once-proud wooden fence. Now, the fence is worn down, with broken slats, peeling paint, and a sagging gate that creaked with every gust of wind. Despite its condition, the fence was ignored, becoming a … Continue reading Pursuit of Excellence
From Guilt to Grace
Judah’s Journey of Redemption Growing up with a brother is like having a built-in best friend and rival all rolled into one. My brother and I were no exception. We were always up to some adventure—or mischief—and one particular afternoon remains etched in my memory forever. We had this old wooden bunk bed that, depending … Continue reading From Guilt to Grace
One Day
One day your eyes will open wideTo find your mom and me.You’ll look around the world outsideAt all the beauty you can see. One day you will understandThe many words we say to you.You’ll smile when we say your name,And start to make your own words, too! One day I’ll give you a big bear … Continue reading One Day
The Way We Learn
I thought I was doing okay. I had watched every video I could find on how to swaddle. There are a thousand different methods, and I tried most of them. Eventually I found my rhythm. Got pretty good at it, actually. So good that Cassie stopped wanting to try, worried she’d mess it up. That … Continue reading The Way We Learn
The Lower Lights
On a lonely stretch of shoreline, where the land met the tumultuous waters of Lake Erie, stood a lighthouse—tall, proud, and steadfast. For years, it had been a beacon of hope for sailors, its light cutting through the darkest nights and fiercest storms. The responsibility of keeping this vital light burning fell to a man … Continue reading The Lower Lights
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