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The Keys to the Castle
A teenage cleaning job. A small-town library. And the kind of lesson you only learn when adults choose not to say a word.
Happiness is Homemade
What began as a simple Christmas recipe became a family tradition—and a reminder that the things we give away often stay with us the longest.
Kids Days, 1975
click. click. click.
The sound of Uncle David’s Nikon blended with carnival music as our ferris wheel seat rocked high above Main Street. At seven years old, I gripped the loose guardrail for dear life, caught between fear of falling and the thrill of being photographed like a star.
A 1985 Wine Lunch
In 1985, at just seventeen, I found myself swirling a glass of chardonnay in a downtown Sioux City restaurant—my first taste of upscale dining.
The Real Field of Dreams
In the summer of 2002, my sons didn’t care about Kevin Costner. What they remember is standing on the field, pockets full of championship dirt, feeling part of something magical.
Driving Lessons
It started with driving lessons around Remsen, Iowa, and ended with quiet moments that said everything. Grandpa Gib wasn’t just teaching me the rules of the road—he was showing me the road of life.
Two Miles to Yesterday
On graduation day in 1985, I ran two miles through my hometown chasing a future I couldn’t yet imagine. Forty years later, I’m still running—but now I see the value in everything I once left behind.
The Ambassador
I have known the Lanes for nearly 40 years, and it all began with Russ.
I met Russ Lane on the Westmar campus in the summer of 1985. Russ was a returning college student, and I was an incoming freshman.
A Fire Evacuation
Awakened by the smell of ash, my groggy dream of cleaning a fireplace turned into the day’s reality.
The Holly Hobby Journal - Fall of 1983
Journal entries from the fall of 1983 that accompany my Driving Lessons story.
I’ll Meet You in Durango
“I’ll be in Durango in two weeks!”
It is not uncommon for me to be told this by a stranger. My hometown of Durango, Colorado, is a beautiful place.
Born on the Hottest Day of the Year
"You were born on the hottest day of the year!"
My grandparents would tell my mom this story, without fail, on her birthday each year. Mom, the oldest of nine children, was born in a humid Iowa hospital without air conditioning. Her parents enthusiastically shared this story of her July 1944 birth until they died in 2000.
A Gift From Joanie
“That’s the dress from your Aunt Joan!”
This was the Facebook comment I enjoyed most after posting photos from a wedding I attended in Slovenia.
The Color of Youth
Lake goals and life pace have changed dramatically since my teenage years in the 80s.
Oh my God, please tell me they have sunscreen on.
These were my thoughts as I ran around Lake Bled in Slovenia this morning.
My Favorite Job: Motel Cleaning at the Route 66 Hotel
I've been reminiscing recently about a cherished summer job in 1988. It was not the accounting internship I desired, nor a glamorous position; my job was cleaning motel rooms.
Meet Me at the Mexican Restaurant
“Let’s take a picture.”
This was my response when realizing we were sharing a family moment. Our family is no longer an ordinary family.
Tornado Shelter
“I’m going to run and pick up Garrett from the airport. Be right back.”
These were my parting words to Mom as I headed to the Omaha Airport for the third time in 24 hours.
Aunt Joan
My Aunt Joan died last weekend. Although her death wasn’t a surprise, her absence has left a hole.
Dying Alone
I’ve always had a comfortable relationship with time.
When asked to name a positive attribute about myself, this typically comes to mind. However, I don’t always say it.
Instead, I give another answer that is true but fits more neatly into the expected answer box.
Running Through Paris
I pulled my watch off its charger and onto my wrist in sleepy grogginess. Barely awake, I realized I was lying in a bed in Paris. And then I noticed the time.
“Oh, my God! Garrett, it’s 9:05!”
