In a memorable M*A*S*H* episode, there is a wounded bombardier who thinks he is Jesus. The camp is mixed. Some say he’s crazy, most say he’s doing an act in order to get discharged from the Army. One person in camp believes him. Radar O’Reilly. It’s time for the man’s release. Radar walks out to [...]
There are moments in our lives that can change everything. For Chris Orwig, it happened in a tent, at the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range in California. A bachelor party; and he was camping with a group of friends. When first invited, Chris said no. He relented when told that the first [...]
A rather unsophisticated man endured a medical operation with a 20% chance of survival. When told about his condition and the odds that were against him, he engaged in no calculations and did not consult with another physician. He said simply, “I want to be one of the twenty percent.” One year later, he reduced [...]
The splitting of the Red Sea, according to Jewish tradition, is the greatest miracle ever performed. It is so extraordinary that on that day even a common servant beheld more than all the miracles witnessed by the prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel combined. And yet we have one midrash that mentions two Israelites, Reuven and [...]
“You know Dad,” Zach is talking with his mouth brimful of cereal, “I think my life has been pretty full.” “Really?” I say to my son. “Yeah. I mean, think about it. I have actually held a Serval Cat. In my lap. I have touched a real NASCAR race car. I have been on an [...]
“We should do this more often.” A middle-aged man is speaking to a woman standing at his side. (Well, shall we say north of middle-age?) I am doing what I do best: Eavesdropping. The couple is leaning on the upper deck railing of a Washington State Ferry on a summer day. We are headed across [...]
Mr. Rogers stepped out of a Manhattan subway train onto the platform. A group of people recognized him, including a young mother with her 6-year-old son. The boy brandished a Star Wars light saber, and was intent on whacking everything–and everyone–in his path. This included Mr. Rogers. The mother stood mortified, “Honey, please don’t hit [...]
