Tales & Tips

Nov 1, 20228 min read

Triumph over Tragedy - Chapter 14

Mom asked me to drive her to Dr. Callahan’s office the Friday morning before Easter for an appointment. I was happy to because I got to...

Oct 31, 202210 min read

Triumph over Tragedy - Chapter 13

We spent Thanksgiving Day in Cedar Rapids with my aunt and uncle, the annual worry about dad’s pre-Christmas hours hanging over our heads...

Oct 30, 20228 min read

Triumph over Tragedy - Chapter 12

On Monday, word of my father’s arrest spread through East High like the Spanish flu pandemic, quick glances and nods directed my way...

Oct 29, 20229 min read

Triumph over Tragedy - Chapter 11

Our varsity squad got through the six meets in September undefeated as a team, Steve and I finishing 1-2 in every race, the back page...

Oct 28, 20229 min read

Triumph over Tragedy - Chapter 10

The second week of August the Skogstad’s left for their summer camping vacation in northern Wisconsin, the seven of them somehow fitting...

Oct 27, 20229 min read

Triumph over Tragedy - Chapter 9

I became drawn to Liz like a honeybee to a flower, her gentle spirit and mothering qualities reminding me of the nurse who put the cast...