Category: Family
Good to be Bad
Sometimes, I can be mean. I don’t always like it. Some people mistake my honesty for something mean-spirited. That bothers me. Others times, however, it can be fun. I had one of those opportunities recently when my mother-in-law visited. I…
What’s in a Name?
When my co-workers celebrated my birthday the other week, a smile came across my face when I saw the envelope with my birthday card. It simply read: “Shea.” That was one of the best things that could have happened. For…
Happy Birthday to Me
Today marks a very sad day in my life. I no longer have a birthday. Officially, I turn 37 today, but none of that really matters any more. My daughter turns 5 later this week and will have her birthday…
Mary Lou Shea, 1928-2005
My Mom taught me how to ride a bike in the Hutzler’s parking lot at Westview Mall in Catonsville, Md., on a Sunday afternoon. We had the whole place to ourselves because of the old blue laws. We missed the…
Attention to Detail
Everything was perfect. We arrived at the hotel in New Jersey last Sunday with plenty of time to spare before my nephew’s wedding. We found one of my sibling’s rooms and made plans on where to meet before going to…
Watch Your Cornhole
One of the great things about a family vacation is the things you learn. Maybe a sibling tells you a secret. Maybe you discover a new place to eat. Or maybe you discover the greatest game in the history of…
Thriller
We started a very important stretch of the summer this past week. I really need to stay focused or everything could come crashing down around me. It’s carnival season. Up until a few years ago, I had never visited any…
Taking Chances
I have taken some chances in my lifetime. I have driven too fast. I once mouthed off to a 305-pound All-American defensive lineman. I even bungee jumped. But nothing compared to the situation I put myself in a couple of…
Opportunity Lost
I have a pretty good life. I really can’t complain about much, but I will anyway. We have a nice house. We don’t have to scrimp and save for food or other basic needs. We get to take nice, but…
Help Me Sleep
I love sleep. Nothing feels better than curling up in a warm bed and drifting off. But something has changed about sleep as I get older. I generally wake up four or five times a night. I glance at the…