“And the angel said unto them, fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” ~ Luke 2:10-11 Let me start by saying that I am a Cradle Catholic… What’s more, I am an Irish Roman Catholic which means I’ve even mixed a bit of DruidContinue reading “Fear Not!”
Category Archives: Parenting
Simple Gifts
My view from the pew: “God never gives someone a gift they are not capable of receiving. If He gives us the gift of Christmas, it is because we all have the ability to understand and receive it.” ~ Pope Francis (Jorge Mario Bergoglio) And so it begins… But will it be a forced marchContinue reading “Simple Gifts”
“I know that pain…” An open letter to Simon.
Dear Simon, I read your latest blog and was extrememly moved… You see, I know that pain. My wife and I struggled for years, unsuccessfully trying to have a family. We came to marriage late, so we were already late to parenting. And while all and everyone around us, to us anyway, seemed to beContinue reading ““I know that pain…” An open letter to Simon.”
My soul in stillness waits…
The next few days will fly, so I’m sitting quietly now looking at our Christmas tree… It reminds me of the simple things often overlooked or seemingly not appreciated. After a great deal of soul searching, my son seems to know what he wants to do and just completed his first semester at it withContinue reading “My soul in stillness waits…”
Veni!
Often it is the anticipation of an event that makes the event special. The wait itself adds mystery, excitement and desire. When we do not fully engage in the growing anticipation, we actually diminish the entirety of the thing itself. So, enjoy Advent. Cherish the anticipation. Be present as we wait… It’s where the ChristmasContinue reading “Veni!”
And Still the Poppies Grow…
My address to The Doverwood Village Retirement Community On the Occasion of Veterans’ Day Ladies and gentlemen — Dear Friends — Fellow Americans… Welcome to today’s gathering and thank you — My name is Brian Griffin and I’m honored and humbled to be here today — to be a small part in this celebration — thisContinue reading “And Still the Poppies Grow…”
International Day of the Girl Child
Today is the “International Day of the Girl Child.” Approximately 49.6 percent of the world’s population is female; around 3.52 billion. As the father of a young woman, I try diligently to teach her how not to be a victim. She is strong, smart and focused, but I still worry, like so many dad’s ofContinue reading “International Day of the Girl Child”
Rest Well Harambe. We’re all very sorry…
Yesterday, I reacted passionately, without appropriate background and took an emotional position in social media on the unfortunate death of Harambe, the Silverback that was dispatched by the Cincinnati Zoo to safeguard the life of the four year old child who fell into the animal’s enclosure. I am sickened by what occurred, but I did notContinue reading “Rest Well Harambe. We’re all very sorry…”
What I know now…
Sitting here in the last few hours of my 55th year, here’s what I know now that maybe I didn’t a year ago… (1) I may never make everyone happy, but I have a real knack for piss’n everyone off. (2) I’m not the man I once was, so there’s still a chance I mightContinue reading “What I know now…”
They Served…
Here is one of the first pictures taken of my mother and father as a couple along with one of the last… They both served. In fact they met while serving and the result was 14 children (6 of which also served — one of whom never returned) and a forty-seven year marriage. They wereContinue reading “They Served…”
Why Eye Write 