One of the best things about being a father is your son has to share his ice cream with you because you’re the one paying for it.
04
Aug
2025
Sharing the calories but not the cost
Family
04
Aug
2025
Swinging High Towards Heaven
Amid market swings outdoor swings offer a different breath of richness. Both can be thrilling. But only one is God’s playground where the soul forgets gravity, and joy returns to its purest, wind swept form.
31
Jul
2025
Empowering Women and Girls with Disabilities
Empowering women with disabilities is an important part of building stronger and more inclusive communities.
I was honored to meet Abigail Bachman, Miss Nevada 2025, who holds a doctorate in Occupational Therapy and serves as Executive Director of a nonprofit supporting women and girls with disabilities across Nevada. Thanks to her Dad, a retired AFRICOM official, for taking the photo.
Her work focuses on confidence, independence, and opportunity for young people navigating physical and developmental challenges. Advocacy and community leadership help ensure individuals are recognized for their abilities and potential.
Best wishes to Abigail as she prepares for the Miss America Organization 2026 competition in Orlando, Florida.
07
May
2021
From John Manjiro to My Son’s First Communion: Creating My First NFT for AAPI Heritage Month
I created my first NFT today, a small but meaningful milestone, and I could not think of a better moment to do it than right before May 7. This date holds special significance for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. On May 7, 1843, John Manjiro, the first Japanese immigrant to arrive in the United States, reached American shores on a whaling ship. His courage, resilience, and willingness to step into the unknown helped shape early Japanese American history. Honoring his journey feels especially meaningful as I take my own step into something new.
There is another John on my mind as well. My son is preparing for his first communion. Watching him grow in faith, compassion, and purpose reminds me that legacy is not only something we inherit. It is something we pass on. His name, his heart, and his journey inspire me every day.
As I created this NFT, I found myself reflecting on the values that guide us. Be the person God created you to be. Remember the poor. Stand with the voiceless. Advocate for peace. These are the principles I hope my son carries with him, and the ones I try to live by.
God knows your heart. And sometimes even something as modern as an NFT becomes a tribute to heritage, to history, to family, and to the quiet ways we honor those who came before us.
17
Jun
2020
A Letter From My Son
So I asked my son to write a letter today about any topic and addressed to anyone. Here’s what he chose to write below: “Dear God, thank you for food, water, and health. Help us humans help people. Even, the people we don’t like. Amen.” He is 7 years old and gives me hope for the future. What letter would you write today and to whom?
01
May
2020
Modesty in Nature and in Life – Happy Weekend
Sharing some words of wisdom to stay grounded and humble and open along with a beautiful picture of wild flowers.
Very little grows on jagged rock. Be ground. Be crumbled, so wild flowers will come up where you are. — Rumi
30
Apr
2020
Happy Ramadan: A Reflection on Faith, Family, and Respect for One Another
During this period of Ramadan I wanted to reflect on the importance of faith, family, and respect for one another. We are all, after all, brothers and sisters in this journey of life. Happy Ramadan! Sharing a quote we like and a family photo. Stay blessed and healthy.
“When the world pushes you to your knees, you’re in the perfect position to pray.” – Rumi
25
Dec
2019
Reflecting on 2019 – Lots to be Grateful
Christmas and Hanukkah remind us to cherish life, family, and our faith. There is much to reflect on this December as we near the New Year. What are you most grateful for? For me it is my family, my health, my friends, and God. Material things are far from my list of wishes. I am blessed to have a roof over my head, clean water, food, and access to books and libraries. Most of all, I am incredibly fortunate to have the support of a loving family. I lack nothing. I pray for peace and tolerance. I am incredibly thankful to everyone who allowed me to share my story and realize a dream of mine – becoming a published author. Thank you for your support and readership.
I wish you and your loved ones the blessings of faith, family, and health and much joy knowing you are loved. From our family to yours, stay blessed!
25
Dec
2019
Saint Nicholas and Holiday Cheer
The tradition of Santa Claus comes from Saint Nicholas an early Christian Bishop from Turkey during the Roman Empire. His legendary habit of secret gift-giving, particularly to poor children gave rise to our modern day Santa Claus. Wherever you may be, our family wishes you a merry Christmas and happy holidays!
24
Dec
2019
Family and Friends: Faith and Gratitude
We often say happy holidays. The word “holiday” implies a vacation. In fact, we are not celebrating time off, but holy days for many people. Why do we not simply say happy holy days? Commercialization has replaced the true meaning of the holy days of Christmas and Hanukkah. The gift of a God has been replaced by the gift of goods. Happiness is fleeting. The flesh constantly wants more to be happy. If I buy more or indulge more in pleasure I will be happy. Happiness is therefore contingent upon fueling and refueling fleshly desires. Holiness, however, is not about satisfying the flesh but about satisfying our spirit. The spirit that leads to greater peace and love. We can find no true comfort nor rest without it. May we fuel our spirits through prayer and acts of charity this holy season, remember our friends and family, but also those less fortunate than us. Have faith in the coming year and say thanks for all the countless blessings and miracles you and I have enjoyed this year.
