The Boy From Indonesia
When I was in junior high Roy and his family moved into my neighborhood. They were immigrants from Indonesia and didn’t speak English. Roy was a fun guy with a great personality, a smile that was always present, and a desire to fit in with his new American friends. Culturally he was out of…
Read MoreLife As A Worm
Several years ago as I was walking home from work I happened to notice a worm in the gutter and it intrigued me so much that I must have stood there watching it for at least five minutes. At first I thought it was such a stupid worm that it couldn’t tell its head…
Read MorePower of Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
As teenagers, my sisters and I had friends over most Sunday evenings. After awhile we didn’t have to invite them because they knew there was an open door policy. Our parents approved and encouraged it. These gatherings were relaxing, enjoyable, and unpredictable. They came to eat, watch TV, visit, or play games. The menu…
Read MoreMy Spelling List Under Pillow
I was never a very good student, however one teacher made a significant difference in my life. She was my fifth grade teacher, Mrs. Bouck. In many ways her methods were quirky and unconventional. My most poignant memory was her motivational technique for helping me learn to spell better. She motivated (perhaps bribed is…
Read MoreCan’t Teach A Pig To Sing
Some time ago I heard a story about an old farmer walking with his grandson out to feed the pigs. On their short walk the grandfather gave the boy some simple advice, “Son, you can’t teach a pig to sing because it wastes your time and it irritates the Hell out of the pig.”…
Read MoreTwo Dollar Thought
Sometime ago I was walking to my office on the Brigham Young University (BYU) campus. As I was walking I started thinking about an experience I had with my Grandmother Cazier in 1966. I had just graduated from high school and was preparing to go to Italy for 2½ years. The day before leaving she…
Read MoreWhat is the Value of an Eagle?
Several years ago I was actively involved with the Boy Scouts of America. One evening I was talking to a young man trying to motivate him to finish the requirements for his Eagle Scout Award. He was approaching 18 and needed to hustle if he wanted to earn it. Richard asked a question I…
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