Columnists

I asked my granddaughter a while back, how was school today? She immediately let me know, “It was a NO Day!” “What?!” I emphatically replied. “I don’t believe I know what that even means?” “Well . . . literally, a No Day means everyone tells you NO and it is not fun!” No Days certainly…

Some trips are planned, while others just come together one stop at a time. The trip to Bennett Springs was a little of both. Beth and I loaded up the four kids, from newborn to 8, into our Pontiac Transport, which, if you remember those, looked less like a minivan and more like something from…

A friend reminded me recently of one easy way for us to know how small and powerless you and I really are. ‘Watch those powerful storms when they hit,’ she said. ‘That will remind you how little control you and I have over things in this world.’ Wise words, and true. It has been an…

Most of us don’t think too much about the liver. And that’s normal. Hearts and lungs seem to get many more health headlines and social media posts. But like all organs, the liver quietly does really important work. Among other jobs, it clears toxins from the body, stores energy and helps with immunity. So, there…

The ending of a school year is like an avalanche: boulders of late obligations, spring programs, awards ceremonies and athletic contests crashing all around and adding a heaping helping of stress to what should be an exciting time. I’m finishing my third year as a school administrator, and I can tell you that by the…

This month is full of graduations and excitement for new adventures. This also marks my last few days at Northwest. After 30 years I have decided to retire and see what else I can scratch off my bucket list. As I reflect on my time at Northwest and my nursing career I think back about…

It was more than a school trip. It was an experience. The trip came at the end of the year, usually a week or two after school was out. For three days, members of the high school Science Club headed to the Current River near Eminence, Missouri. It was a tradition that had taken place…

“If we don’t change, we don’t grow. If we don’t grow, we aren’t really living.” -Gail Sheehy I graduated from high school 41 years ago this month. Honestly, in some ways, it feels like yesterday. From putting on my cap and gown to turning my tassel and celebrating with family and friends…I have to ask…

There was always a moment in the morning that felt more important than it probably should have. Standing in the kitchen, cabinet door open, the decision came down to a few familiar choices: Cheerios, Malt-O-Meal, or Wheaties. That morning, Wheaties won. As always, the box came to the kitchen table. The words and graphics on…

Sometimes, things are pretty perfect. I am up on this Saturday morning and I just finished flipping pancakes for the family. We ate and talked, but the kids were ready to get their day underway. No chores for a while for them, so they can go play outside for a while. My wife’s baking a…