Fellow white people

Fellow white people --  Did you listen? Did you listen when they told you about Dontre Hamilton? When they told you about Eric Garner? Michael Brown? Tamir Rice? Did you read the stories they wrote about Freddie Gray, Philando Castile, Alton Stirling? Did you sit silently by when you heard of Stephon Clark, Rekia Boyd?…

Another year

I received an email from a high school friend recently, and he described us as “decidedly middle age”. It’s quite an apt description, although one that really makes me feel my years. Today is my 44th birthday, and I would feel fortunate to make 88. My grandparents passed when they were 76, 77, 86, and…

Claustrophobia

I had just boarded a flight from Hawaii back to the mainland, taking my window seat. I am not a prolific flyer, but I have been on plenty of flights throughout my life, so I was accustomed to the routine. I settled in and had a brief chat with the man next to me. I…

Gratitude

In gratitude to the nurses, doctors, and other health care providers who watch over us during this time.  In gratitude to the grocery store workers, the delivery people, and the warehouse employees who keep essential goods flowing to our homes.  In gratitude to the restaurant owners, chefs, and employees who provide delicious, nourishing food.  In…

Spring

Spring is a time of tension -- the tension between the old world of winter and the new world of summer. The tension between death and rebirth. It is the time of year when new life springs forth from the hard ground. The trees bud, the leaves grow, the flowers bloom, the birds sing. We…

Enough

Listen to "Enough" here. The sound in your voice shows the impact on your soul.  The thoughts in your mind hide how much this takes a toll.  And I want to take this weight away from you.  I wish I had some certainty that would guide you through. The light in your eyes contains the…

Choosing one another

This essay was created from ideas in two of my previous essays, here and here. It also appeared in the local Oak Park newspaper Wednesday Journal. One month ago, I had no idea what was about to happen. I was spending time with my family, going to work, exercising, playing in a band. I was…

COVID-19 diary

Tuesday, February 25th -- One month ago I got up as usual and went for a three-mile run. After breakfast and my usual preparation at home, I traveled to two of the schools where I coach on the west and north sides of Chicago. I had meetings with a principal, a teacher, and a teacher…