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Spiral notebooks, pencils, glue sticks, and highlighters make my heart happy. These items signal the beginning of the school year. I have fond memories of buying new pencil boxes and the perfect backpacks for my sons. I always look forward to taking them shopping for school supplies. Now that my…

It was a celebratory day for the Philippines on July 26 when female powerlifter Hidilyn Diaz won gold at the Tokyo Olympics. It was her country’s first ever Olympic gold medal. I feel proud as a Filipino that our country has earned such a high honor. But for more…

Many years ago, when hemophilia came into my family’s life, rearing its ugly head like a lion ready to devour its prey, we held on to anything we could. As the chaos of chronic illness overtook our lives, my wife and I made plans to help our children manage their…

As a parent, it is my responsibility to help my sons become productive, compassionate, caring individuals. My oldest son, Julian, is 25 and working to complete his college degree. He is on the cusp of transitioning to a new phase in life. In less than a year, he will…

I recently came across an NBC News Think essay about the oft-overlooked privilege of being able to focus on one’s studies while in college. It reminded me of how my parents supported me through my own college years, and how I failed to fully appreciate how fortunate I was…

When my youngest son was 4, he wanted to play baseball. My nerves were shaky as I took him to register for the fall season. I hoped he would enjoy playing the sport. When the first game of the season rolled around, my wife and I sat in the bleachers,…

My son Caeleb begins his sophomore year of high school in a few weeks. Before school starts, he will participate in summer band. Summer band was a highlight of my high school days. Even marching outside in the heat was fun because working with a tightknit group to put on…

When it comes to home maintenance and improvement, there are several types of people. Some look the other way when their home needs upgrades due to a lack of time, money, energy, or interest. Others coordinate with repair people who come in and do the necessary work. Do-it-yourself people look…

I’ve been sick for most of this week with digestive issues. This is a chronic condition for me, but it always bothers me when it happens. I’m weak and unable to do much. I must gauge my energy levels and try to squeeze important tasks into the moments I…

“MacDonald the Older,” which I call my eldest son, successfully auditioned for the International Performing Arts Institute, a national musical theater symposium. He calls me nearly every night to share the great things he learned in different classes. My heart leaps up and down with joy when I hear his…