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Family

“Daddy, why do you have splinters in your face?”

After a long day of travel my face was showing an unshaven shadow of stubble. We boarded our flight when my daughter Rachel, who was about four at the time, began staring intently at my whiskers.

“Daddy,” she finally asked, “why do you have splinters in your face?”

It was one of those beautiful moments of childlike curiosity, wonder, and simplicity that makes a parent smile. D’Aun heard her question too, but she had to look away from me to avoid both of us breaking out in laughter. Knowing it was a sincere question, I said to Rachel, “Honey, those …

Family,

Praying in the Midst of Grief

For my friends and family who are grieving, a Caim prayer from the book Celtic Daily Prayer:

This night and every night
seems infinite with questions,
and sleep as elusive
as answers.

Pain and longing are always present,
dulled only a little
by the distractions of day.
I am weary; I am weary.
I am confused.

Circle me, Lord.
Keep despair and disillusion without.
Bring a glimmer within.

Circle me, Lord;
keep nightmare without.
Bring moments of rest within.

Circle me, Lord;
keep bitterness without.
Bring an occasional sense
of Your presence within.…

Family,

Christmas Letter to Santa

Dear Santa,

It’s been a long time since I wrote a Christmas letter, but I haven’t forgotten you. It’s just been a busy life. Hoping all is well with you and the missus up North. Cold as always? Did Rudolph get the medication he needed for the sinus problem?

This year we have our usual long list. I know, I know … I’m supposed to write every year. But it’s just easier to tell you in person. Since the lines at the mall are insane this year, here’s the list.

Jedd is super thankful for the job at AOL Alpha…

Family, PathLight,

My 58th Birthday

I was born in 1958 and it’s my 58th birthday today. Lots of 58’s ringing around in my brain, so here’s an idea. Give $58 to PathLight, and I’ll send you a free signed copy of my book Junkyard Wisdom. It’s a good way to support the amazing work PathLight does for children — education, mentoring, discipleship, and all the rest. And you get a halfway decent book!

Don’t have time to do this today? ~~Why you lazy…~~ Sure, I understand. We’re all busy this season. So I’ll keep this offer open till the end of the year.…

Family, Goble Properties, Junkyard Management,

Ernie Casseta

It was the late 1930’s when my Dad first came to San Jose, and one of the first friends he made was the legendary Ernie Casseta. They were part of the automotive business community that thrived along South First Street. My Dad sold parts to Mr. Casseta, who used them to fix up the inventory on his used car lot. They were lifelong friends.

I lost touch with Mr. Casseta when Dad passed ten years ago. But just recently Aimee at the Goble Properties office sent me a note saying Ernie Casseta called and he was looking for me. I …

Family, Junkyard Management,

Pop’s Pool Hall

For as long as I can remember a pool hall was somewhere nearby. Or at least a table. Whether in our home, our garage, one of the sheds at the Sunol Ranch, my Dad’s “secret” office at work, or even my Uncle’s private gambling palace in south San Jose, the cracking sound of billiards wasn’t far away.

In the late 40’s my father opened a sandwich shop in Manteca. According to my Mom, it didn’t take long for a pool table to show up and for my grandfather to start hustling people. Dad sold sandwiches and sodas, Grandpa played pool. …

Family,

My Son Won A Car!

My son Jedd won a car! Can you believe it? He’s still pinching himself to make sure it really happened. But it really did!

Here’s the story. Jedd has a great eye for film, and he has a loyal Instagram following (@jeddjedd). Instagram photo walks are gatherings of people who love taking and posting pictures. Jedd often attends to meet new people, see new sights, and learn new skills.

One of the photo walks was sponsored by Fiat USA (@FiatUSA) and they were running the Open Road Challenge contest. The winner would win a new Fiat 500L.

So Jedd posted …

Family,

Happy 90th, Mom!

My Mom turns 90 today with a big celebration. Lots of cousins coming, which will be fun. I’ve written about my Mom before so I won’t repeat it now. Just wanted to share this wonderful photo of her in Central Park during World War II. She’s so young!

…