Row 17 Seat E.

"There's a somebody 

I'm longin' to see

I hope that he turns 

Out to be

Someone to watch over me."

If you've ever flown Southwest Airlines, you probably know about their open-seating format. Some love it, others hate it, and many just want to get from Point A to Point B. I am in the first group—they're my very favorite airline.

There's something very odd about flying Southwest; it usually happens on a packed flight when you are one of the last to board the plane— you see so many eyes darting away from yours in hopes you will not see "that" seat. You know the ones, they're protecting that precious middle seat that sits between you and take off. However, when there are no other seats available, it's not like we're going to stand during the flight. (I am sure some would like us to give it a try, but it's not going to happen.)

Such was the case this past Friday. I was in the "C" group, which I think means, we don't want to "C" you get on and sit in our valuable middle seat; the eyes were darting and because I saw  the last remaining overhead luggage slot available —it caught my attention. In went my bag, and to my right was that valuable middle seat. I said my usual, "I am sure I am not going to make any friends today." Yet, the woman on the aisle said, "No you're welcome to sit here." I was holding my coat and she asked, "Want me to put it by your bag up there?" I know, I was shocked too.

As normally happens, we struck up a conversation. That's Southwest…people just do that. Of course, this was after the eyes stopped darting and were now focused on two people talking. Although I didn't ask her name, after hearing her story, I knew I had to write about what "kind" of person I was sitting next to. (I use the word, "kind," because that would be the only way to describe her.)

We talked about kids, where we were from, our spouses and more; it turns out her husband had served in Afghanistan and represented our country valiantly. However, when he returned home he came back with life-changing injuries that truly reflect the "will to live" this Soldier/Dad/Husband had toward life. They had both grown up in a small town south of Minneapolis—I would assume close to the Iowa border. It appears it was a typical story where they lived in the same town, didn't really know one another, met and fell in love. I also learned their names are Megan and Jack.

Then it happened. 

Jack was in battle and although I don't have the details, I assume he either stepped on something, was hit, and suddenly his life changed. He lost both legs, his hand was injured to the point where they were not sure they were going to be able to save it—yet they did. In fact I learned he is able to drive and live a productive life. 

This could be the end of the story, but it's not.

Throughout years of recovery, Megan and Jack have come to the rescue and  taken on the responsibility, of letting people know their story—the importance of working together to spread the word to groups, and work with others to help mend lives. I was mesmerized. They took a negative situation and would not let it break them--they have done much more with their lives had this not happened, their determination is something we all need to focus on and accept its challenges.

The photo above was taken in Washington DC a number of years ago near the Vietnam Memorial; it's only fitting, as I was on board that plane, I  would meet someone who changed my life with her story—-all while I was sitting in Row 17 Seat E. 

Thanks for stopping by.

Change.

"Come writers and critics

Who prophesize with your pen

And keep your eyes wide

The chance won't come again

And don't speak too soon

For the wheel's still in spin

And there's no telling who that it's naming

For the loser now will be later to win

Cause the times they are a-changing."

America is going through change.

Duh!

These past few months have seen a lot of emotion spewing forth. Some was to be expected based upon whomever won the election—but now that it's over, the emotion is still running rampant. It's not a big surprise as change often causes stress, and when stress is intense, it brings the best and worst out of people. 

I believe what has caused the most concern, and rightly so, is the fear of the unknown. It's been long said, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." It might seem trivial, but fear can be debilitating and cause people to lash out and have irrational behavior. It's easy to say, "Calm down, all will work out." I just said it and I believe it, but it's really not that easy. America as a nation, has overcome many obstacles and this is another one. But we are strong, and although a lot can change quickly, we always make it back and remain standing and grow from the moment.

Think about it. Was it the housing crisis that crippled America? 9/11? Years and decades from now, students will read about 2016 and work to understand the change that took place in our society and how quickly it occurred. There are many people who are quite happy with the change and others who are not. But we as a nation have to come together and work toward unity. Without it, we are in a bad way.

America has been divided many times before—it may not seem as fresh as what's going on now, but there have been many times of turmoil. Whether it was race related, politically motivated, or something as insignificant as the Super Bowl (Okay, I know this is a big deal, but in this scope, it's minor—unless you live in Boston or Atlanta and then you're excused) we should be prepared for anything that comes are way, but it's just not that simple.

What has been the most alarming is how much has changed so quickly regarding women's rights. I know I might upset some people getting into this topic, but when you have as many females in my world, it's the real deal. I have always believed in equality and it's actually somewhat hard to believe it's still an issue. All you have to do is look at our workplace and you will see so much has changed—it took a while, but it changed and now in my case more than 90% of my counterparts are women. The difference in their capabilities…actually there are none. My best friend at work is probably the most professional, driven, person I know—and she is also a great Mom and wife to her family. I look up to her with pride. (She's usually in a good mood too.) 

The photo above was taken in Minneapolis this past week. I saw it while I was walking to take a photo of another very influential woman, Mary Tyler Moore. Although not planned, it seems that within a two-block radius a statement was being made—-"Times are changing and we will stand strong through it all." We have to, we are all in this together.

Thanks for stopping by.

Love is all around.

"Who can turn the world on with her smile?

Who can take a nothing day, and suddenly make it all seem worthwhile?

Well it's you girl, and you should know it

With each glance and every little movement you show it

Love is all around, no need to waste it

You can have a town, why don't you take it 

You're gonna make it after all."

She left us this week; I didn't even know she was ill. I guess when we haven't seen someone in a while we lose touch. But when we hear of a passing, we suddenly are reminded of the memories we have not thought about in a long time.

They say that "things often come in three's." I am sure it is just a coincidence, but recently it seems maybe "fives or sixes" are more like it. Since December there have been many losses that occurred and they came within a small space of time.

The loss of Mary Tyler Moore really hit people hard.  We knew her, of course from a distance, but she was part of our lives. A voice that was well recognized without even having to see who was speaking because it was so unique and she was Mary. She came into our homes a few different ways in our lives: she was Rob Petrie's wife, a few years later we knew her as Mary Richards, a single woman living in the Twin Cites AKA Minneapolis, MN—and we also saw her on the big screen. The one thing I remember about her, she smiled a lot—she was believable.

I would have liked to have met her. I am sure it would have been just a casual, "Hi, how are you, nice to meet you" passing, but it would have been special. She was a person who set a tone for women, who before her, were usually in the background. With all the women in my life, they feel her impact.

This past week I was in Minneapolis; in fact, I was there the night she passed away. Many people have no idea where Minneapolis, or Minnesota are located on the map. We talked about it in meetings this week. But once you spend time there, you quickly find out Minnesotans are just fine with being unknown. They know they have something very special and if you want to be a part of it that's fine with them, if not, they'll say, "we understand." It's also known as "Minnesota nice." They are!

The photo above is of the Mary Tyler Moore statue located in the hear of the city. Up until recently it had been out of doors and accessible for anyone who wanted to "make it all seem worthwhile" any time of day; it's only recently that it was moved indoors during a construction project. Although I had to Google it's location, something inside me knew…I would have gone anywhere in the city to reassure myself that I was "gonna make it after all."

Thanks for stopping by.

Determination.

"May we all do a little bit better than the first time

Learn a little something from the worst times

Get a little stronger from the hurt times."

This morning there was a CBS segment on Facebook called, "On The Road." They have been doing this piece for some time, and every time I see one, it takes me to a place I really treasure. The segments are usually heartwarming and very uplifting—-the reporter, Steve Hartman, has a voice that just sucks you into the story. 

The one I watched today was one I had seen before. It was about two young teenagers who both had Cancer. They were both in high school and through a very unfortunate commonality, became very tight friends. Only one recovered. The feature had to do with a high school basketball game where the surviving young man played in his last game. (He had recovered and played basketball again.) Not to spoil the story, the coach did something very inspiring; he asked the players to place the names of people who were very important to them on a basketball. The ball was at the game, and each player touched it before tip off. The rest is to be watched. (YouTube Jan. 25th, 2014.) You'll be glad you did.

Stories like this are what bring out the good in people. Whether intentional or not, "good deeds can go unpunished and be appreciated." Let's hope so at least.

The story on CBS reminded me of a young woman who did something phenomenal for her family and specifically for her Dad. In honor of the fight her Dad was going through, she went the extra mile—-actually 26.2 of them and participated in a fund raiser for Project Purple by running a marathon. You see, her Dad had Pancreatic Cancer and whereas he fought it "tooth and nail," no one really knew how long he would be up for it. Turned out, he was quite a fighter and went for many rounds.

We have known their family for some time, and we had gotten to know their oldest daughter this past summer when she watch our younger daughters while my wife was out of town. This young woman is very kind, caring and one heck of a soccer player. (Her sisters and Mom are the same---the apple did not fall far from the tree.)

Despite his fight, her Dad passed away this past year. Much too young, and one of the nicest people you will ever meet. Honestly, with his drive and determination, I think he intimidated Cancer because he would not give up—he was that kind of a guy.

This past spring I received a phone call from his wife; she asked if my wife and I would be interested in doing a family photo shoot in downtown Chicago last minute. I remember after I hung up—tears were streaming down my cheeks. What an honor to be asked, and how was I going to make sure this was not screwed up? Fortunately, when you are photographing a beautiful family, the camera falls in love—my Nikon had a crush on them. When it was done, I was sad. I knew they had to leave to go to a wedding, but I desperately wanted to keep taking pictures as I knew these were going to be very important. 

The photo above is from last spring's photo shoot. It was not the first time we had taken family photos for them, but this time was the most important---for all the photos we have taken, these are some of the best we will ever capture.

Thanks for stopping by.

The Dance.

"And now I'm glad I didn't know

The way it all would end, the way it all would go

Our lives are better left to chance

I could have missed the pain

But I'd have had to miss the dance."

Life is a guessing game. The only part of it we can guarantee—it will not last forever. If for some reason you thought it would, I hate to ruin your day. But then again, maybe I am wrong and you will live forever. I would suggest not betting on it.

There have been some incredible statistics floating around regarding being prepared for the time you retire. It might be close, it might be in the distance, but there's little doubt we will one day, "call it a day." We all want to be prepared, but what if we're not? I have thought about this probably more than I should. It's been more of a focus on what would I do once I leave the rat race and slow down. It's an interesting thought for me; one thing I know for sure is I will not be sitting on the couch.  (Unless it's a really comfortable one and then I just might do it more than I thought I would.)

I have told my friends if I won the lottery, for example, I would of course quit my job, but not stop working. That would be very difficult for me, and even more difficult for my wife and kids—-actually, much more difficult for them. You can laugh, and others have, but I would like to get a job where I can help people, be personable, and have little stress to deal with. I would like to be a Walmart greeter. I am serious.

Here's why….

As a greeter you can engage with people when they come into the store; I was always impressed with the way I have heard Sam Walton did it when he ran his "Five and Dime" store. This would be  before Walmart. He just knew how to be friendly—and whereas he may not have been "on " 24/7, I do believe he was pretty darn passionate about helping people. That would be cool…I think I would be really good at it too. Would I take a salary? Are you kidding me? Nope. I would be set having won the lottery. 

One thing I would love to do is pull surprises on people when they are in store shopping. Can you imagine seeing a family— knowing they're working as hard as they can to make ends meet—and then when they approach the check out, walk up and plunk down a credit card for their purchase. Or better yet, not have them know you did it and see their faces when they hear, "It's paid for, please enjoy your day." What a photograph that would be! 

In today's culture we need to emphasize the good because we all know the opposite is out there just as often. We can't all be as giving as we would like, but if we do something to lift someone's day, it for sure will make you feel better and someone will truly appreciate it. Think about giving it a try. Just once.

The photo above is of my daughter prior to a dance recital this past year. When it's all said and done, we have one chance to make the most of our lives—some will do the tango, others line dances, and still others whatever they feel deep inside. Enjoy the ride, it's one of a lifetime.

Thanks for stopping by

H2O.

“Inflatable pool full of dad's hot air

I was three years old

Splashin' everywhere

And so began my love affair

With water.”

I was talking with a friend today whose daughter is in graduate school out in Colorado. She is focusing on environmental engineering with an emphasis on water. Seriously. Once I heard “grad school” and then “environmental engineering,” I knew she was a lot smarter than old “you know who.” It was the “water” focus that piqued my interest. I knew what that was.

For many years I worked with a magazine based in the Western US. Although it was difficult to comprehend at times, they talked about the politics of water in the region. Here in the Midwest we really don’t think too much about water until we have an over abundance of it usually thanks to floods. Sure, we have had droughts, but in general, that’s the least of what we worry about. That is not the situation out West.

I remember talking with friends who live in California, Northern and Southern, who would describe what it was like dealing with a scarcity of water. Sure they have a big pond to the West, but try drinking it. I learned of people using “grey” water as part of their fight against droughts; simply, that’s when they place a bucket in their shower, or another area where clean water is used, and then re-use it in their gardens or any situation where fresh water is not as necessary. From a Midwestern perspective, I can’t imagine it. However, if my water bill were as high as theirs, I would be happy to carry a bucket into the shower.

Today must be weather day.

This afternoon on our weekly conference call, my boss was commenting on the Nor’Easter heading toward New York and the Northeast. They were bracing for some really bad weather. For some reason, and it usually happens this way, he said, “So are you having a Nor’Easter in   Chicago?” I paused and trying not be a smart-ss said, “We live in the Midwest, we don’t have Nor’Easters. We have tornados, floods and cold weather, though.” He laughed, but it was not the kind of laugh you like to hear. But, he asked the question and I answered it.

Certainly I’ll be watching the weather to the East, we really don’t need any catastrophic storms right now, we have enough going on in America.  

The photo above was taken several years ago while I was traveling in Ohio. Having come from Chicago that morning, and experiencing some “wicked” storms before I had left, I knew what was going to happen in the next few hours. I was right, that evening there was a downpour unlike no other, mix it with tornado warnings, and a long night of thunder and lightening and there was plenty of water. In the end there was no damage, but I know people who live out West would have seen all the water as a blessing. 

Thanks for stopping by.

Sooner or later.

“I was once like you are now, and I know that it's not easy,

To be calm when you've found something going on.

But take your time, think a lot,

Why, think of everything you've got.

For you will still be here tomorrow, 

but your dreams may not.”

A few weeks ago I wrote about a father and son who I met at the Iowa State V. Oklahoma game in Ames, IA. They were there cheering on their favorite team, The University of Oklahoma Sooners; “cheering” is the only word that comes to mind, but it was much more than that—it was all about an incredible bond between a father and son who were on the experience of a lifetime.

After I wrote that particular entry of “Snap. Shot.” I heard from Bill (the Father) after he had read it. Needless to say he was pleased I had written about he and his son, J.T., but honestly, it was such a unique experience, I felt I had to share—I also left out much of their story.

Until today.

A few days after our first talk, I spoke with Bill again; I wanted to learn more about the leather helmets, passion for OU football, and how it all started with he and his son traveling to games. His story is really quite remarkable, transparent, and something we all need to think about when raising our children. Apparently Bill, like many of us, has seen how outside forces can disrupt our lives and take us on unexpected paths. He dealt with divorce, excessiveness in areas of his life, and a family that was going through a very challenging time. In other words, he was just like the rest of us. No real biggie.

Oh, but it was a biggie!

As he was trying to deal with life’s issues, so was his son. A son who was seriously in need of someone to listen to his needs, and be assured he was going to be heard! According to Bill, it was going to take much more than just a quick conversation that clears everything up and everyone walks away happy. Nope, far from it. JT was struggling, and his calling out for help was well beyond the norm. So he and Bill looked for something… a mutual connection…one that they both could experience “together.” That connection, believe it or not, turned out to be college football held in a stadium that holds over 80,000 people —where 2 in attendance are looking to build an unbreakable bond. Whoa.

The first time they went to an OU game, JT was very close to the action—he had a front row/rail position where he could be as close to the players as possible and get to experience the game; that is, without being hit. As games passed he would give the players—-and anyone else walking by, “high-fives”— as you might guess, over time “strangers” became friends, and suddenly he was very much a part of the “Sooner” scene.

As the years have passed, OU players, and even the marching band, now look for JT at games (he cheers for the band—who cheers for the marching band?);  a group of OU ambassadors--known as the “RUF/NEKS," whose purpose is to create enthusiasm and engage with the fans at the games— regularly seek him out. His passion for OU player, Joe Mixon, (Google him) is well beyond that of a person his age. In fact, if you met JT, at least as how he has been described to me by Bill, you would vote for him to be one of the team captains at something affiliated with the University. (Most probably football!)

Okay, so now what?

This past season, JT and Bill went to every regular OU game and recent bowl game—home and away. (This was not their first time doing this.) This type of bonding is much more than your average father and son outing, it's about how two souls literally “saved each other” from what could have been a very unfortunate outcome. As a pair, they faced the lowest of lows, and have found the strength to rise up and celebrate "one another" through a common passion—Football and The University of Oklahoma. Whereas football is an important part of it, it was the connection and care both had for one another, that made this a story worth writing about. How cool is that?

The photo above was taken at the game; sure it  was a great catch, but the real experience was being able to walk down the sidelines during halftime and witness a bond between a father and son clad in two leather helmets. As parents we need to be present for our children and vice versa. We get busy, we get side-tracked, we sometimes take things for granted—what I learned from these two individuals was love and respect really does conquer all. What an experience for a photographer taking pictures, on a warm November night, in the middle of Iowa.

Thanks for stopping by.

The Whole World's Watching.

“Someday you will see how long

We've been waiting for the time

To show you how we've died

To get together with you all.”

Unless you have decided to turn off all forms of media today, you know it’s a day that is being discussed and most likely will be for some time to come. Whatever your feelings on recent happenings with our change in government, it’s actually a good reminder of what freedom of expression is all about and why we should be thankful.

I am not going to discuss the issues here, you most likely know what they are and have your opinions

Today’s “Snap.Shot.” is about being involved in a moment in history. It doesn’t matter what side you’re on, it’s all about being on a side and having conviction. There’s also something else that should be considered; if someone decides to capture an event, and uses a camera to do it, maybe we are doing it to be involved in the moment and not just a statement. For me, that’s one of the reasons I was in downtown Chicago this morning.

This year I have been able to fulfill several of my bucket list wishes. What’s funny is, up until this morning, I had not planned to attend. I was going to go to a movie and photograph a basketball game. With 52 minutes to spare before the train left for the city, I said, “I am going.” I have wanted to photograph what I perceived would be “historical moments” and this was my chance. This may not be at the same level as other events, but for me I was really glad I did it. (I was surprised by the number of people attending; once again, they had miscalculated the crowds before arrival.) The last time this happened was when the Chicago Blackhawks one the Stanley Cup—the original estimates were a bit short…by 1.5 million people.

Having the opportunity to photograph this march today was much easier than I had anticipated. I was not sure who was going to show up; would it be an aggressive crowd, passive group—-I really didn’t know. What I can say…people were very spirited but calm; I spoke with some police officers and I suspect they felt this was much calmer than a typical IKEA opening.

I am optimistic  America will come together and be one. I know it’s a stretch, and know the last time we saw this was 9/11, but I am hopeful we can work together to bring America back into a better space. It will take time, and we will take steps forward and back, but that’s okay. All I would like to do is capture it with my trusty Nikon…because selfishly, I think it matters.

The photo above was taken this afternoon in downtown Chicago. The signs were fairly explicit, and reflected to tone and mood of many American’s, but in the end we are all better for being able to express who we are and what we believe. In my world, chalk another one up on the old bucket list. 

Thanks for stopping by.

This is country music.

“So turn it on, turn it up, and sing along

This is real, this is your life in a song

Just like a road that takes you home

Yeah this is right where you belong

This is country music”

Whereas I know how it happened, I still can’t believe it did. It was about 25 years ago, I was in a Yellow Cab in Chicago, and I heard Randy Travis on the radio. I had no idea who he was, nor did I care at that moment to learn. I did ask the driver, “What station is this?” My tone was pretty even, and he said, “Oh that’s US99.” I thought, “that figures, it’s the only country station in Chicago.”

I got out of the cab a few minutes later and didn’t think much about it.

A couple of days later, different cab, there it is again, US99 and country music. It was kind of a cool tune this time—so I listened for it to end and heard the name, “Mary Chapin Carpenter.”  Her voice was not twangy, and her words were quite good. Really this was country music?

I took the bait.

That night, of what I recall, I was driving home and turned on US99 for the first time. This is well before satellite radio, CD’s were a treasured item (much better than cassettes) and there certainly was no country of anything in the car--except the radio. I have often described country music like scotch whiskey. It’s an "acquired taste." You take a sip, think about it, look at it, still not sure, and then take another sip..and so on. By the way, whiskey and beer are big topics on country radio—you probably knew that.

It was not long until I bought my first country CD. It was Mary Chapin Carpenter, the artist I had heard in the cab that day. Suddenly more CD’s were ending up in my car  and finally, I actually went to a concert. A new artist named Toby Keith was playing at a local fair near where we lived. Yes, you read that right. He had just launched his first album and there he was playing in front of probably at least 700 people. If you know of him, you’re aware he has since sold millions of albums since.

During the past 25 years I have sold advertising for Country Weekly magazine, met several artists, and today country music fills my iPod. You see, country music is now part of who I am and if you read, “Snap. Shot.” on any type of regular basis, you will find many of the lyrics are country songs. 

The photo above was taken one night driving down a busy road where we live. The truck, the dog, and yes, country music was flowing out into the night. It was the perfect setting to travel down the road of memories of another day and take a good sip of country music.

Thanks for stopping by.

Alone.

“Life is a mystery

Everyone must stand alone

I hear you call my name

And it feels like home.”

A friend of mine at work has told me many times, “you can miss many appointments, but there’s one you have no control over.” As funny as it seems, he is right! When it’s your time, you can’t say, “I’ll be there in a moment.” 

There is no denying, when it is our time, we will not be late; but until that time, it’s important to make the most of whatever time we have here with family, friends, and even strangers who may come into your life. Once you get to know them, they won’t be strangers—in the beginning everyone in our life was new to us. 

Over the past few weeks, I have met several new people. Most I have liked and am looking forward to becoming better friends with them. We, as they say, “seem to be on the same page.” Yesterday, I walked to the train with a new associate who just joined our company. I knew of the company where he had worked before, and asked him “what building they were in?” He said, “We were in the other elevator bank around the pillar and I worked there for 24 years.” What a weird experience—-I had never seen him before.

Many years ago, when I was interviewing for a job, I was talking with two separate companies who were both based on the same floor. I knew that both of the owners (they were small companies) were aware of the situation. Awkward. When I did join one of the companies, I had to walk down the hall and talk with the other owner letting her know my choice. (I did make the right choice—one went out of business a few short years later.) But it was still very weird.

Where I probably meet the most new people now is through photography. Since I do a lot of local work, people actually know who I am. Usually it’s, “Hey you’re the photographer who took the pictures at the play or something like that.” What makes it even more enjoyable, and this happened last night, is when you see someone who was in a performance and in his case has a disability—-and he got up on stage and “killed it.” I said to the boy’s Mom, “Your son was awesome in the play.” Pride spread across her face—it was pure love. 

The photo above was taken at this year’s Ringling Bros Circus; as this performer hung from well above the ground, it reminded me that in the end, “We must all stand alone.” Since no one wants to think about it, get out there and enjoy your moment--it's well worth it.

Thanks for stopping by.

Heroes don't come around every day.

"And then a hero comes along

With the strength to carry on

And you cast your fears aside

And you know you can survive

So when you feel like hope is gone

Look inside you and be strong

And you'll finally see the truth

That a hero lies in you"

We all have those who we look up to in our life. It might be a mother, father, sister or brother; it also might be someone you've never met but for some reason they hit a real chord with you. 

Stepping outside the ordinary, and doing something that makes a person extraordinary, is what makes life interesting. One person's belief of greatness might be looked upon by another as no big deal. We see it in our everyday lives and often it is on a much larger playing field.

This past year has been one for the ages. We saw the passing of many individuals who we deemed as geniuses in their fields, sports teams rise up and perform amazing feats, politicians defying all odds to either be elected or walk out the door. Today's "Snap.Shot." is not going to discuss politics, I am way smarter than that. 

Heroes have been around for a long time. You can travel back to the Gods who are part of mythology—and new names that have popped up in recent days. Whoever they might be, they have stepped up and done something different that makes them stand out. 

Although we didn't lose him last year, it seems like only yesterday when Robin Williams decided it was not worth being around any longer. It was tragic, it was personal, it was something that rocked millions of lives. "If he only knew," some might ask. He did, he just had trouble—apparently—being someone that excelled above many others in his field and understanding. He did a lot right, some wrong, but all in all he defied the odds from the moment he stepped onto the major stage as "Mork from Ork," I miss him.

I think we are all looking into the future to see who is going to emerge and help deal with the fears many people have at this time. There's an unknown and unknown's can be scary. A year from now, I am hoping we can look back and say, "we learned and we moved forward." For us, it's the way it has to be.

The photo above was of my hero in life. It's my Dad's obituary. Although he is coming up on the 2 year anniversary of his passing, I can say with absolute certainty—with the way he raised and guided me, he has provided me with the "with the strength to carry on" no matter what comes my way.

Thanks for stopping by.

There is no "Step" in becoming a parent.

"When a single mom goes out on a date with somebody new

It always winds up feeling more like a job interview
My momma used to wonder if she'd ever meet someone
Who wouldn't find out about me and then turn around and run."

Being a parent can be enough of a challenge; being the unknown person coming into a child's life is like walking a tight rope. You have to look straight ahead, not be distracted by what's going on around you, and pray that you will make it through to the other side. 

Welcome to being the dreaded, "STEP-PARENT."

When I first entered my two daughter's lives I was greeted like the plague. "Who is this guy? Why is he here? When is he leaving? I hate him." As they both know, after 15 years, I stayed!

Today as we look back, and we did this past weekend by watching video and telling stories,  we know that together we formed a family that was one. I have watched them grow, mature, and make me very proud. Under no circumstances do I ever call them "step" anything. They're mine, I raised them (with my wife of course) and I love them. Period. 

Was it all easy? Of course not, but nothing in life that's important comes without its challenges. Once you get beyond the uncertainty, it all comes together. My memories include being the one who gave the final push to a 5-year old and watched her ride her bike for the first time; with a big smile and some missing teeth, she was so proud to tell her Mom the news. (She was out somewhere—too bad, it was fantastic.) I was also there during the breakups, let downs, and moments they would like forget—like when our oldest went to babysit. What she didn't know was her Mom was watching her walk away from the house when she was to head to one house and turned and went to a friend's house. (She was grounded at the time and thought she could outsmart her.) Uh huh.

As one has graduated college, and the other has entered her "first year" (no longer called "Freshman") it's amazing to see how they have grown up. What's interesting is they don't feel that way about me—ahh, that's what being a Dad is all about.

The photo is of all 4 of our daughters, I also have my son and daughter from a previous marriage--they don't live in Chicago. As a Dad, whether biological or not, the only "step" I ever plan to take is to make sure they know they're loved and I will always step up to help in any way I can.

Thanks for stopping by.

When the Big Top came down.

"Off comes the make up

Off comes the clown's disguise 

The curtain's fallin' 

The music softly dies.

But I hope your smilin'

As you're filin' out the door

As they say in this biz

That's all there is, there isn't anymore.

For the last 15-plus years, in late November the circus came to town. The Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks left town for cities far and wide— and in came The Ringling Bros Circus to put on "The Greatest Show on Earth." It was not only a tradition in our family, it was "must do." 

As the kids got older their interest wained; there was only one person who went every year. That was me. I loved going and taking pictures of the performers. My favorite subjects were the trapeze artists who hung over head. Their form, grace and skill were amazing to watch.

But that's coming to a close.

This weekend we learned the show is over. Ringling Bros will be shutting down after 146 years. I am still in shock and am very thankful we went to the show this past year. Although it changed, there were no elephants in the show any longer; they introduced some unusual animals which I am sure were just needed replacements and could be trained. The weirdest…that would be the pigs. Yes, they had huge pigs in the performance. I can tell you, there was a vast difference in the performance and it felt very forced—they did not look too happy either.

And, the number of clowns were reduced this year. I suspect that part of it had to do with what took place this past Halloween when suddenly "creepy" found itself in the same mention as "clown."

A number of years ago I went to the Ringling Bros museum in Sarasota, FL—but that was not what I remembered most from the trip. It was when we drove by a dilapidated building that was boarded up and could easily have been in a horror movie. That's when I learned…this was the former residence of many of the performers in the circus during the off season. After all of these years, it still spooks me. 

A couple of years ago, guests were allowed to go down to meet the performers. What we experienced were some of the nicest people who really were happy we were there. They took photos, asked us how many times we had been to a performance, and much more. Even if they were told to act this way to guests, it felt very genuine.

But now it's part of our past. The animals will be placed in a sanctuary, the performers will need to find new employment, and a tradition that created memories for millions of American families, will call it a day. 

The photo above was taken several years ago. The performer had hair that stood straight up; a lot of dippty-doo I assure you. During the performance he came right by our seats and I saw that this was no wig, it was really his hair. He's lucky it didn't break off it was that stiff. So there goes a tradition, one that will be missed by our family and millions of others.I guess now the United Center will need to find an event of some sort to fill in the dates that were reserved for us fans—-the circus has left our town.

Thanks for stopping by.