The holidays are the happiest time of the year. For those of us who have loved and lost someone dear to us, they can also be a reminder of voices we no longer hear at the table, of a special laugh, and a knowing glance that says you are loved. …

You may have noticed that I’ve been spending some time away from the city in Apple River, Illinois, a village in Jo Daviess County, just along the Illinois-Wisconsin border. Something is happening there that I’m more than a little curious about. It’s also very personal to me. Some of my…

Hanging in the foyer of the First Presbyterian Church of Apple River is a photo from more than 60 years ago. I see my Great Uncle Harold Gallagher and his wife, Ilene, in their 20s with so much ahead of them. Growing up, I loved spending time with them. I…

Taking a Walk with Uncertainty, and Faith Rainy days are heavenly for some of us. I love listening to the quiet pelting of the rain on the window panes of the porch while the wind howls and the waves crash along the shore. …

Reflections on the year that was — Uncertainty. Fear. Death. Injustice. Scarcity. These are some of the words that painted our landscape over the last 12 months. Perhaps today, we can take a collective breath and say, “We survived it. Thank God almighty. We didn’t crumble under the weight of it.” I’ve spent the last few days…

In the winter of 1966, two “just married” people exchanged Christmas gifts. My Dad gave my Mom this typewriter. The Gift — In the winter of 1966, two “just married” people exchanged Christmas gifts. My Dad gave my Mom this typewriter. When I visited my dad for Father’s Day, I…

He looked to be about my age, shoulders slumped over, staring at his phone. His face, weathered and tired from the elements. “Homeless.” I thought to myself. And he isn’t wearing a mask. I knew I would be within 2 feet of him, but I was masked, so I’m safe…

Winter in Wisconsin can be rather dim anyway, even with outdoor recreation. I look forward to the return of spring with the birds chirping and nature beginning to bloom again, don’t you? When I was a child growing up, it seemed we received the seed catalog around this time, or…