Tag: family

A Couple of Feet in Either Direction

In February 2013, on the way home from my best friend's wedding in St. Lucia, a tractor hit our bus a couple of feet from the passenger cabin. The truck driver who caused it did not survive. Five years later, lightning hit our house while we were inside. Ten years later, I lost the friend whose wedding put me on that bus. This is an essay about the near misses we see, the far greater number we never hear about, and why surviving does not mean you were chosen, but does leave you with a choice.

I Have Lived Four Lives. My Forties Are All of Them at Once.

Family, then friends, then yourself, then a family of your own. Each decade of life has its own center of gravity, until the forties arrive and ask you to live all four at once. This essay argues those decades were never separate lives but an apprenticeship: belonging, chosen loyalty, self-knowledge, and responsibility, all called on in the same afternoon. It takes the honest objection seriously (maybe the pattern is just hindsight), then lands on what the forties ask of us, closing with a mantra my mom carved into a plaque for my thirtieth birthday.

Leaders Eat Last, Fathers Even Later

This essay argues that real fatherhood requires delayed gratification, not as a burden but as a defining virtue. Drawing on the idea that “leaders eat last,” it explains that great fathers willingly put their family’s needs ahead of their own, even in small moments like serving everyone dinner before taking a plate. Delayed gratification becomes the backbone of fatherhood, shaping a home built on stability, service, and example. Children learn not from speeches but from watching their father consistently put them first. A man who can wait, who can sacrifice quietly and purposefully, becomes the anchor of the family and leaves a legacy grounded in strength, restraint, and love.

Breakfast with a Legend – and the Letter That Proved It. John Wooden Meets My Dad.

Breakfast with a legend: In 1986 my dad struck up an impromptu, hours-long breakfast with Coach John Wooden—then received a handwritten thank-you note and signed Pyramid of Success as proof that kindness leaves a paper trail. This Father’s Day we framed the relic, honoring the quiet greatness of both men.

Eulogizing Esther M. Tatalo Nicastro, My Mom

Reflecting on the profound loss of mom, Esther M. Tatalo Nicastro, eulogizing her as a kind, loving presence. Through grief, we honor her legacy of love and connection with everyone she knew.

The Superpower of Paying Attention: A Note to Parents with Their Heads Down

Most parents don’t realize they’re giving up a superpower—the power of presence. At my daughter’s gymnastics class, 23 out of 28 parents were glued to their phones. If that’s your default, you’ll blink and miss a decade of your child’s life. This essay isn’t about judgment—it’s a wake-up call. Try putting your phone away. Watch. Listen. Be there. It changes everything.

#RequiredReading: Pro-Child Politics by Katy Faust

Pro-Child Politics by Katy Faust challenges the status quo by centering children in every cultural and political conversation. This powerful collection of essays delves into critical issues like race, gender, education, and the economy, advocating for a child-first approach to policy and societal values. While I don’t align with every perspective, the book offers a profound opportunity to reflect on how we shape the next generation. A must-read for anyone seeking to protect children from ideological extremes and foster a better future.

Cultivating Greatness: The Unwavering Belief in Our Children

By providing unwavering support, encouraging a growth mindset, and being a constant source of encouragement, parents can help their children develop the resilience and confidence needed to achieve great things

The Simplicity of Building Moderate Wealth: Taking Control of Your Life, Time and Opinions

Building moderate wealth is simpler than many people think. By eliminating personal debt, maxing out retirement accounts, and investing in real estate, you can take control of your time and opinions. Wealth is not about having an excessive amount of money, but rather the freedom to make choices without being constrained by financial obligations. By following a simple approach and avoiding frivolous spending, you can set yourself up for a comfortable retirement and a life of financial freedom.

Don’t Lend Money. Give Money.

If you have the cash and you want to help out a friend or family member, don't lend money. Give money.