Exploring one of life's most valuable gifts
You've probably noticed the symbolic pink ribbons on social media lately, a sure sign that Breast Cancer Awareness Month is here and getting attention. The more support and attention paid to breast cancer, the better. Statistics show that 1 in 8 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetimes.... Continue Reading →
Fall’s arrival in Chicago is accompanied by many traditions. It’s a time to buy fresh apples from Michigan and watch the Chicago Cubs struggle to make the playoffs. One of my favorite fall traditions is cheering on the thousands of runners at the Chicago Marathon. This October marks the 46th running of the Chicago... Continue Reading →
Although reading is inherently a solitary activity, books can provide a strong foundation for conversation and connection with others. In one of LOF's earliest posts, I wrote about my own experience with a local book group. I also enjoyed facilitating a book group with a few other parents for my son and some of his... Continue Reading →
If you've ever seen the opening sequence of the movie Zero Dark Thirty, then you've heard my college friend Melissa Doi's beautiful voice. I still haven't seen the movie, but I remember well the first time I heard the recording used in that movie of Melissa's actual 9-1-1 call to emergency services from the 83rd... Continue Reading →
Can you consider a person you’ve never met to be a friend? I love to read memoirs, and I’ve encountered authors over the years who write in a way that makes me feel like I know them. At times, their words and experiences have resonated with me so deeply that I almost feel they could... Continue Reading →
My favorite two board games when I was a kid were Battleship and Clue. I’d play either one with anyone who was willing to join me. Both games encouraged not only logical reasoning skills, but they also involved imagination and conversation among players. As a parent, I taught my kids to play Battleship and Clue.... Continue Reading →
I love music. All kinds of music. To the point that I am sometimes teased for how inconsistent my musical tastes are. I’m happy to listen to many genres, as they are meaningful in different ways. I’ll listen to the Oppenheimer soundtrack in the car with my older son, then arrive home to hear my... Continue Reading →
The idea of a movie about Barbie sounded totally ridiculous to me when I first heard about it. I couldn’t believe such a star-studded cast and talented director Greta Gerwig had been talked into participating in a Mattel-driven project about a doll that seemed so utterly out of touch with modern life and girlhood. Once... Continue Reading →
Growing up, I was an ardent baseball fan. My mom’s family were diehard Red Sox fans and my dad followed the Chicago Cubs. So, when it was time to trade in my Cubs bleacher seats for folding chairs at Little League games, I was ready. My younger son Will discovered a passion for playing baseball... Continue Reading →
Now that we're well into July, the heat is on and summer activities have kicked into high gear. At Language of Friendship, we've done our best to make the most of the warmer weather and get outdoors. Julia and I always look forward to this time of year and plan ahead for it. Because we... Continue Reading →
Language of Friendship 