This week, a very good friend's son headed off to his first year of college.  He has been raised in a wonderful family of faith, and is one of the most humorous, enjoyable, and clever kids I know. He left this missive on his Facebook page several days ago.  I can't get it out of my … Continue reading And Whither Then

Earlier this month, we received some very good news.  But in the midst of this good news, there was a moment, just a small moment, that contained a brief and fleeting glimpse of the deep struggle, mystery, and pain that are a part of this life.  Joy and sorrow, mixed together in an instant.Several weeks … Continue reading Benign, But In a Moment, So Much More

It was the day of surgery.  After several short weeks of tests and doctor visits, the day had come for Nancy to undergo the procedure that would hopefully remove the rest of a troubling polyp and possible colon cancer.This was a different day.  A day spent filling out forms and waiting in a large hospital, … Continue reading A Visitation

Just now, this song shown below came on my Pandora at my office.   Tomorrow, my wife will have surgery to remove what appears now to be a small cancer in her colon.  How is a song, and a surgery related?  I am not sure how, or if at all.But maybe they are.  Maybe the mysterious … Continue reading Simple Gifts – David Tolk

Where We AreIntramucosal carcinoma.  Just two words, but the gravity they contain can be life changing.With those medical reference words, our lives together as a family have taken a detour we did not expect.  But let me state at the outset that our likely venture into the world of cancer treatment may very well be … Continue reading Carcinoma

In 10 days, we are all going with a bunch of friends to the Greek Theater to see....

We think all that matters is today.  The immediate.   Now.  But sometimes, just going on a walk helps us to get perspective on the broad arch of time, and how we fit into that.  This is a nighttime view of Eddie Park in South Pasadena, just a block and a half from where we live.  … Continue reading Of Baby Owls, Ancient Indians, and A Nightfall Walk

A couple of Sundays ago was Mothers Day, and my sweet wife and the mother of our children had a plan for her Special Day.  She wanted to go on a hike.  Quite different from what Dad will want on his day - which will likely consist of a medium rare steak he cooks himself, … Continue reading More Than Just a Hike

This morning I heard a truly beautiful narrative on the meaning of the cross and Good Friday here.  The text seemed so thoughtful, I have transcribed it below. Beyond all the hypocrisy and pomp, above all the pain and confusion caused by the church, this is truly the essence of the who Christ is."As you stand … Continue reading Good Friday

Today is Maundy Thursday, the day Christians commemorate the Last Supper.This piece seems particularly appropriate for today. Although the lyrics deal with the mystery of the common birth of Jesus, I find the mystery continues to the last moments of his life - the moments of that last meal.