“Well Done is Better than Well Said” Benjamin Franklin Preface September 1987 I could hardly believe it. In just an hour William was picking me up downstairs at the Towers, the dorm…
Preface October 2012 I was floored. “Why in the world would anyone feel compelled to send an insulting e-mail like that?” I had just seen a disgusted tweet from Ellen DeGeneres about…
Preface December 2012 Recently, John, the kids and I were having breakfast in our kitchen, early in the morning before school and work. I flipped the news on to check traffic…
“Courage is Knowing What Not to Fear” –Plato We all start out so unabashedly unashamed. Whatever makes us unique and special, we regard without concern; we flaunt it without a care. Then we…
“Life is short; therefore, I shall be a crusader in the struggle against ignorance and fear, beginning with myself.” —Dorothy Vickers Shelley Preface January, 1976 I looked around at all the other 1st…
Preface July 1974 The summer camp was called, “Indian Acres.” It was a day-camp located near the University of Illinois campus. The main activity was swimming, which, even at the young…
Preface December 1975 “Hi, how have you been, Bird?” My brother Ted looked at my hands directly, waiting for feedback. I adjusted my voice to a higher and squeakier version of…
Definition of Embarrass To make or become self-conscious; to become or cause somebody to become painfully self-conscious, ill at ease, ashamed, or humiliated. Preface October 1985 We were all completely pumped. Not…
I am grateful to my teeth for the following: #1. Opening Chobani yogurt lids #2. Opening the plastic bag encasing for my cereal #3. Opening my soccer chair outer cover string-pull when I…
“If you look into the mirror of reality, your reflection will be to face up to your fears and the outcome will be you might find something amazing. I learned that from experience.…
Preface July 1989 The water was so cold, it practically stung. But I didn’t mind. Even though it was only minutes after 6am, diving into the pool at Windsor Swim Club in Urbana,…