Answering the Phone In rural southwestern Kentucky, down by the rivers and near between them, we have a saying, “When Jesus calls, we answer.” Forty-four years ago, around this time, I was privileged to meet my future mother-in-law. Betty Miller. We had much in common. She liked me, and I liked her. We are both […]

Christmas always brings memories. One such memory involves my friend, partner, and colleague Ron Loving on a dark, drizzling, cold night in Memphis, Tennessee, the week before Christmas. We had secured the CEO into the Peabody Hotel. Ron had gone to the front desk to get some change. He and I then headed toward the […]

Jim Knipe, Tybee Island, Ga. – I sure do miss this old buzzard. He was the best of the best of my adopted Dads. As written to me by my adopted Father, Jim Knipe, on 12 January 1996 Darryl, This guy (Mike Royko) has always given me a chuckle. A liberal, “blue collar,” philosopher with […]

In the past few decades, society and those raising kids, managing businesses, and going about their everyday affairs have forgotten or were not taught my mother and aunt’s universal lessons. Be compassionate and kind at all times. Aunt Anzie and Mom (Miss Polly) raised me on the outskirts of Princeton in a WWII two bed […]

“Let us make one point, that we meet each other with a smile when it is difficult to smile. Smile at each other, make time for each other in your family.”― Mother Teresa

Sister Mary, as I recall, was from Baltimore, and when I left the school where I did my student teaching, she gave me a “gift” she made. It was a seashell, lacquered to protect it from the elements. The shell was milky white, flecks of orange and yellow, small enough to carry in any pocket. […]

Recently my wife expressed concern that I didn’t join her and her family for the Miller Thanksgiving, a tradition I have passed on for many years. It genuinely bothers here and yet I have my reasons. I reminded her why a quiet Thanksgiving at a Waffle House, or alone reading a book and eating a […]