To My Grandsons: Cool Isn’t Cool. God, Country And Family Are To Zachary and Nicholas Wansley, Brian and Thomas Yarbrough: It has become tradition to write you guys at the first of the year and lay a little unsolicited advice on you. I’ve never asked what, if anything, you do with these pearls of wisdom. Perhaps it is best that I not know. I do know that I have lived a long … [Read more...] about January 1, 2006: Annual Letter To My Grandsons
Dec. 26, 2005: Dang Near Perfect Person Has New Year’s Resolution for Others
I will soon be leaving for my annual pilgrimage to the exquisite little Georgia Sea Grill on St. Simons Island, in order to participate in the sacred New Year’s ritual of stuffing my face full of all the corn-fried shrimp that exists on the face of the earth. I know — it’s a dirty job, but somebody’s got to do it. I wanted to share some of my New Year’s resolutions before … [Read more...] about Dec. 26, 2005: Dang Near Perfect Person Has New Year’s Resolution for Others
Dec. 19, 2005: An Ode of Appreciation To Our Public School Teachers
This is as good a time of year as any to thank public school teachers for doing a tough job well. There are two high school science teachers in my family. Both are at work early, and both stay late. When at home, they are calling parents about their kids’ schoolwork, or fielding calls from parents about anything and everything. I suspect my son and son-in-law are fairly … [Read more...] about Dec. 19, 2005: An Ode of Appreciation To Our Public School Teachers
Dec. 12, 2005: Santa, No Need To Stop Here — I Have Everything I Need
Dear Santa: Before you head out from the North Pole this year, I wanted you to know that there is no need to stop by my house this Christmas. Please don’t take this the wrong way, Santa, but there is nothing you have that I need. My cup runneth over. It has taken me a long time to understand that the best presents can’t be bought. They are gifts — most of them undeserved. … [Read more...] about Dec. 12, 2005: Santa, No Need To Stop Here — I Have Everything I Need
Dec. 5, 2005: Readers Respond Quickly To Request To Write The Troops in Iraq
Whoa! Ask and you will receive. A few weeks ago, I suggested you might want to write the men and women of Georgia’s 48th Brigade Combat Team in Iraq during the holiday season and thank them for their sacrifices. Your response has been overwhelming. The troops are going to get a lot of mail because of you. I have heard from individuals, civic clubs, churches, schools, … [Read more...] about Dec. 5, 2005: Readers Respond Quickly To Request To Write The Troops in Iraq