In our soaking socks, just two of us were left high jumping. That’s what I remember about that track and field day at Maple Crest School. Pouring rain and drenched socks. We’d taken our shoes off to be lighter. Paul won, almost an afterthought to the memory.
Some of our best lessons aren’t from any textbook Read More »
Before the hockey photo there was this other one. There’s an attractive young lady on a boat. She’s a worthwhile catch, according to my friend who’s showing me. “That’s Jean,” he said. I was intrigued. She’s leaning against a wall on this houseboat, looking into the camera with a
From a photograph to a 25-year bond Read More »
BERLIN – The German capital knows winter these days. An ice storm recently canceled hundreds of flights including yours. But Tante Eva, your mother’s sister, has her warmth. You’re visiting while returning to Canada from work in East Africa. It’s good. In any season, Berlin,
How our family stories shape our lives today Read More »
Before something on sailing, here’s a thought on surprises. Don’t underestimate the power of surprise in this world. I’m reminded with every new year because today, January 3, marks my first day in newspapers. Gorbachev was dismantling the Soviet Union and the Berlin Wall had yet to fall. I was 23 and learning up from down.
Of sailing and surprises Read More »
As far as the police go, I want it known this Labour Day that I’m all for them. And not just because I’m afraid that they’ll put me in cuffs someday for taking the wrong photo at the wrong time. Me: “I’m just doing my job.” Officer: “Me too.”
Summer highlight? Witnessing a police takedown Read More »
In a way we’re all homeless vagabonds, it seems to me, running from one fear or another. In my case, when younger, I ran from home because of issues, and because any young man or woman, even from a fine home, needs to leave
Father’s Day is about celebrating where we come from Read More »
I know an African, a long-time family friend from Uganda, named Q. He was born in a house with a dirt floor in a closet normally storing things like suitcases. He told me while we drove to Entebbe’s airport. “Mother didn’t want to get other parts of the house dirty,” he said.
It takes courage to get through this life Read More »
There are 60 stairs to Tante Eva’s third-floor apartment on Friedrichsruher. I reach them after walking from my hotel for 5 km, walking to see this city of my birth, flowers in hand. Earlier, Eva, 91 and living on her own, navigated these stairs, boarded, by herself, a bus, travelled to a
Language lessons (of the heart) in Berlin Read More »
