Trust, they say yet my tears betray my moans remain or do they water the seeds of hope tiny specks mustard Continue Reading
In the Silence of Our Home
Cars departing with frenzied goodbye waves Last airport run complete Leftovers stacked in neat rows in refrigerator Ashes piled up in wood Continue Reading
The FNG
During Ranger School, a young Lieutenant who aspired to be a Green Beret asked Quint how someone short in stature like himself made it through SF Continue Reading
Burdens and Blessings
I had a phone conversation with Matt recently. He was in my son’s squad in the Mountain Phase of Ranger school. He shared with me his story about that Continue Reading
One Year
Author's note: This reflection was written at the one-year mark of our Son’s death. It seems impossible that it has now been two years, but the Continue Reading
A Climb of Remembrance   Â
We lean into our trekking poles with pounding hearts and labored breaths, slowly grinding our way up the 30-degree unimproved mountain trail that will Continue Reading
MAYDAY
It’s the ninth again. The months pass quickly—if you're counting, and for some reason, I am. It's been 33 months since the passing of our son, Quint. Continue Reading
A Run of Remembrance
It’s 7:00 AM on a Sunday. We wait on a barren stretch of US-90, just east of Macclenny, Florida. A cold, drizzly rain numbs our fingers as we shiver Continue Reading
There Were Signs… My Son’s First Deer
by Tab Continue Reading
The Blood of Life
I went to give blood today. It had been a long time, since before my son’s death. I had been a regular donor before but blood donation, among other Continue Reading
By, With, and Through
I have a deal with my deceased son, Quint. OK, maybe it is a one-sided bargain since his assent has not been verbally received. Nor have I shaken Continue Reading
Even Unto Death: A Father’s Journey Through Pride, Grief, and Purpose
"Dad, moment of truth, I've enlisted in the Army." I was proud. I was scared. Was this karma? After all, I had spent 15 years as a recruiter for Continue Reading