Tag Archives: love and loss

The Things That Did Not Happen This Valentine’s Day

A small stone engraved with the words “one day at a time,” resting on wood as rainbow light falls across it.
February 15, 2026
This Valentine’s Day looked nothing like I expected. There were no red roses delivered by my dad like there had been for as long as I can remember. There was no card waiting on the counter, no moment that felt celebratory or light. The day arrived quietly, carrying absence with...

Popcorn, Politics, And Parts Unknown: How My Dad Taught Me To See The World Via Anthony Bourdain

A signed autograph from Anthony Bourdain displayed beside a passport and travel ephemera, symbolizing curiosity, legacy, and a lifelong love of the world.
February 8, 2026
My First "Passport" To The World I grew up in a house where popcorn was more than popcorn — it was a ritual. My dad and I would sit in the living room, not just watching TV, but devouring the world through it every Sunday night watching Parts Unknown, which...