• Blog,  Random Places We Go (Photos)

    Feeling the Falls

    Photos were taken at Trümmelbach Falls in Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland.  They are considered to be the largest underground waterfalls in Europe. Growing up, I remember thinking that my tendency to be introspective was a deficiency, almost a sign of weakness.  So much so that in certain circles, especially when participating in sports, I often felt less masculine.  I had bought into the “men don’t feel, men don’t cry, men don’t show emotion” mantra.  I remember feeling like I always had to turn off my thoughts but never could.  As a result, my natural tendencies to feel and think brought about many insecurities. I am less insecure about it today, but I…

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    The Call of a Father

    A scene in the new Star Wars film The Force Awakens captivated me.  I am not a Star Wars expert or fanatic, but I grew up watching the original trilogy like most young boys of my generation, and I loved it.  So now, being a father myself and watching the new film with my eight-year-old son made the experience that much more memorable. Without spoiling anything, the scene I mention for those who saw the movie is the one that left most of us gasping with a collective “WHY?”  It was the scene in which Hans Solo confronts his son, Kylo Ren.  For those who have not seen the movie…

  • Random Places We Go (Photos),  Blog

    The Volto Santo

    A few weeks ago, while on our trip to Italy, we visited Lucca. In the Tuscany region, Lucca is believed to have been founded around 180 BC. It is a beautiful place, and I highly recommend it if you ever visit the Tuscany region. The Cathedral of St. Martin is located within the city’s walled area. Inside the cathedral is the Chapel of the Holy Face, or the Volto Santo, also known as the Holy Cross. The small chapel contains a walnut crucifix showing Christ wearing a tunic. Yet it is the face, the Volto Santo, that grabbed me. Like all old relics, the Volto Santo is surrounded by history,…