Some stories don’t begin with a plot—they begin with a season. Waves, Wind, and Wisdom: Volume I is the first in a trilogy of reflections written during my time as a Winter Texan on the Gulf Coast. What started as journal entries turned into something more—a quiet collection of stories, moments, and lessons carried on the […]
This is my first Mother’s Day without her. And still, I reach for the phone. It’s in the quiet victories—the kind of good news she’d appreciate, not because it was flashy, but because it meant I was doing okay. I catch myself thinking, Mom would want to know this. Or She’d be proud of this […]
I have heard a powerful quote from my friend Mort Melman sensei (by Friedrich Nietzsche) that always struck me deeply: “You are what you hate.” At first, the words felt unsettling, even unfair. How could I be anything like the very things I stand against? The thought lingered, though, and like all profound truths, it […]
My mom wasn’t someone you underestimated—especially not when she was behind the wheel of her green 1969 Dodge Charger. I was about fourteen years old when she took over the payments for that car. It wasn’t just any Charger; it had belonged to a street rod mechanic who had to part with it after his […]
I had a conversation recently that stuck with me. Someone close to me was venting—angry about their friend, frustrated by the choices that person was making. You could feel the tension in their voice, the kind of frustration that comes from loving someone but not knowing how to reach them anymore. Then they looked at […]
I was taught that it’s better to be ten minutes early than one minute late.” Anyone else think the same? Punctuality isn’t just a habit for me—it’s how I’m wired. I don’t think I’ve ever been late to anything when it’s up to me. Whether it was school, work, or an early morning flight, I’ve […]
I found myself reflecting on the profound words of Toby Keith’s song, “Don’t Let the Old Man In,” on Tuesday morning. Despite already posting for the early morning, the song’s poignant message lingered, resonating deeply as we navigate our days in the serene haven of Port Isabel, where the sun and sea seem to hold […]
In the heart of Port Isabel, where the sun kisses the sea each morning, my wife Melody and I have embarked on an 80-day journey filled with introspection, chaos, serenity, and unexpected lessons. The tranquil beauty of this coastal haven has allowed us to explore the depths of our thoughts and emotions, much like the […]
Growing up, I always felt small—in size, in presence, and in the world around me. At just three years old, I battled spinal meningitis, an illness that nearly killed me and left me struggling to keep up. By ninth grade, I was barely 4’11”, and when I finally shot up to 5’11” in tenth grade, […]
The morning sun broke over South Padre Island, casting a golden glow on the Gulf waters. It was an early start—9 AM sharp—as we arrived at the beach once again, this time with Mark and Cindy by our side. The air was electric with anticipation. Today was different. Today, we would witness history. Just beyond […]