Columns

Alexi Navalny was a once-in-a-lifetime example of what John F. Kennedy once called “Profiles in Courage.” That such villainy and treachery caused his killing are the reasons we must recognize and honor this man’s willful courage and stoic fearlessness. Alexi Navalny is gone and Mother Russia has endured another blow to her attempts to join Lady Liberty as a paean to freedom and democratic ideals.

“I’ve been reading about cats,” my husband, Peter, tells me. Peter has never had a cat before.

As a lot of you know I lost my dog Sparky on Aug. 4, 2021. Sparky was a legend among many far and wide. His antics, bravery and intelligence put a smile on the faces of so many. The Spark helped me through a really tough period of my life that saw me lose several close family members and friends, and for that I am forever grateful. After Spark passed I couldn’t even begin to think of getting another dog. After all, I still had Sweet Lilly who’d been through a lot herself. So, I wasn’t ready and I didn’t want to stress Lilly out with a new rescue in the house.

There’s the old expression that when consumed by, or overwhelmed by too many goings on, one might be unable to see “the forest for the trees.”

My husband, Peter, and I were surprised that two plates were missing.

I was in Columbus at a Barnes & Noble recently, perusing the history section. Big history guy here as you know. Anyway, I’d grabbed a couple books and was headed out when I heard my name being called… “Dave? Is that you?”

Editor’s note — This is the second part of a multipart column.

“I’m cleaning up my room,” says Joseph, 5. “People need room to walk so they don’t trip. I’m not hurting anyone and that makes God happy!”

A few days ago I had the inspirational experience of visiting the colossal 300-foot Statue of Liberty. I must have flown over it dozens of times but have never paid the lady a formal, front-door visit. It’s conveniently situated near Ellis Island, where over 12 million immigrants passed through the U.S. immigration portal between the turn of the century and the mid 1950s.

Last night was surprisingly calm, all things considered.