A recent awakening following catastrophic loss informs my world view these days. I do not think my story is exceptional, rather I think it’s much like everyone’s story – perhaps even yours. I’ve made some major mistakes and I’ve hurt people I love through my own lack of awareness. My goal now is to make amends where I can, forgive the scars caused by others and to focus on the beautiful little things that surround us every day. I am grateful for this one life, and intend to spend the rest of my time here laughing when it’s funny, crying when it’s sad and intentionally focusing on the greater good. I intend to become a better person – even as the world seems to be falling apart.

What’s Happening

I am a huge fan of Shankar Vedantam’s podcast, Hidden Brain. He says:

“There are two kinds of explorers. One travels to exotic lands, ventures where no one has gone before. The other kind of explorer revels in discovering the surprising and the extraordinary in the mundane and everyday.”

I love exotic lands, but find myself squarely planted in the second category. I find beauty in asymmetry and things that most people would consider flaws. I recently submitted a story from my youth that airs today on NPR’s All Things Considered. It will also be featured on the Hidden Brain podcast and the My Unsung Hero section of the podcast’s website. My hope is that Rodney will hear about it and know how grateful I am for his act of grace back in 1983.

Here is that story: All Things Considered, air date 10/20/2025.

https://www.npr.org/2025/10/20/nx-s1-5577084/a-high-schooler-wanted-to-give-up-singing-until-a-classmates-words-helped