Everyday I’m Rufflin’

We invented ruffling. Well, my Dad did. You haven’t heard of it? You will. It is only a matter of time. Have you ever seen puppies bounding around, knocking each other over, and biting at ears and paws? It’s like that, but for humans. The etymology of the word “ruffling” is a clever amalgamation of the phrase “rough housing” with the word “wrestling.” It’s a unique brand of horseplay, which includes tackling, jumping, climbing, and tickling. Growing up I can remember ruffling with Dad and honing my escape skills to the point where I had a near Navy Seal-like efficiency. He would pin me down in a classic MMA ground and pound position, and as a 6 year old I could always pull my legs in, push them against his chest, and kick out. Inevitably it sent him flying across the room. I’ve always had incredibly strong thighs. I think it’s from soccer. Continue reading Everyday I’m Rufflin’

Stickers and Shirt Wedgies

My family loves to joke around. My Dad, my brothers, and now my kids. We have thick skin. We insult each other. We laugh. It’s good fun. Our church has name tag stickers. Davin gets a kick out of discreetly placing them on people after the service. He’ll collect a bunch of stickers from folks and then unleash his quirky mayhem. It’s particularly enjoyable to put a sticker on a baby’s hand, or on their forehead right between the eyes where they can’t reach it. Free comedy at its best until they start crying. When Davin is really on top of his game, you’ll see name tags on people’s stomachs, in their hair, the back of their legs, on their arms, and if you look around you’ll see Davin nearby with his hand over his mouth shaking in silent laughter. That’s the backdrop for our recent trip to the Olive Garden, where they’ve got a brand new addition to the kids’ menu … cute little Olive Garden stickers. Continue reading Stickers and Shirt Wedgies

Love, In Person

My grandfather was determined to stand up for my parents’ wedding. You can see him in the photographs, standing there, leaning heavily on his cane. A few days later he was confined to a wheelchair and would never walk again. Multiple sclerosis took his ability to walk, but it never took his joy in living life. His grit, determination, and optimism was amazing, but I’ll save that story for another time. This tale is about his wife Joanna, my grandmother, and how she taught me one of the most important lessons that one person can teach another. Continue reading Love, In Person