Category Archives: Parent and Kids

Father’s Day 2020

Posted on Sunday, June 21, 2020 by Eric Miller

Like many dads today I await a phone call.  Or maybe a text.  That’s all I need.  No ties, cards, soap-on-a-rope, or socks.  Just a call.

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A Few Takes on COVID-19

Posted on Monday, March 30, 2020 by Eric Miller

Walk into any essential store these days and you’ll see X’s marking the spot for social distancing.  This COVID-19 stuff is spooky.  The only positive is if you test negative.  At least our April 15 tax deadline is delayed until … Continue reading →

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Veteran Pen Pal Comes Knocking at Door

Posted on Sunday, November 10, 2019 by Eric Miller

(Readers: I wrote this story based on an event nine years ago, glad to update it a bit.) Eighty words bridged seven thousand miles. “Write to a soldier and cheer them up,” said Mrs. Larsen, while coordinating a holiday writing … Continue reading →

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Hanging Out With Old Attitudes

Posted on Saturday, July 27, 2019 by Eric Miller

They are kids with wrinkled skin who wear plenty of attitude. Shuttle vans park outside the main entrance to cart them to and fro, whether to doctor’s appointments, grocery shopping or to the movies.  Panel doors slide open and wheel … Continue reading →

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Buying Your Teen a Car? Hmm…

Posted on Wednesday, June 27, 2018 by Eric Miller

I’m a hand-me-down guy with a mindset inherited from my grandparents, Great Depression veterans.  Whether it was hockey equipment or clothes the only “new” stuff Mom bought was either underwear or socks.  She’d hand down Dad’s shirts telling me I’d … Continue reading →

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Alexa, a Parent’s Assistant

Posted on Saturday, July 22, 2017 by Eric Miller

My parents bought into the virtual assistant world.  Their assistant, Alexa, connects to music, games, or anything cerebral.  Alexa answers nearly any question, whether it’s the weather in Missouri or the capitol of Romania. I challenged Alexa to see how … Continue reading →

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Kid’s Quitting is Father’s Dilemma

Posted on Friday, June 16, 2017 by Eric Miller

She lasted 90 hours over three seasons.  Maggie was not an outlier.  Not in soccer. In Outliers author Malcolm Gladwell explains the “10,000 Hour Rule” which claims that the key to success is a matter of practicing a specific task for … Continue reading →

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Coldplay Tops Family’s Bucket List

Posted on Friday, September 30, 2016 by Eric Miller

Kate introduced me to them.  Our SUV, loaded with ski gear, skidded over a snowy highway.  We caught glimpses of powder covered peaks between wind blasts.  I didn’t mind the weather—I enjoy winter driving so long as crazy people don’t … Continue reading →

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Voter is Stuck in the Middle With…Who?

Posted on Monday, July 11, 2016 by Eric Miller

I love to go to Washington.  If only to be near my money.  (Bob Hope) Our family debates are more introspective than lively, more on her end than mine.  Maybe I’m just cynical.  But discussing the upcoming Presidential election with … Continue reading →

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Bucket List Trips With Parents Were Worth It

Posted on Sunday, June 26, 2016 by Eric Miller

Note: We’re in the season of Mother’s and Father’s Days.  This story appeared in several newspapers and magazines.  I wanted to share it again.  Dedicated to parents. I don’t remember my parents pursuing fun.  They worked too hard.  Nor did … Continue reading →

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