It seems logical that my background would have caused me to be suspicious of — and distant from — other people.

A socially awkward geek.

But, instead, ever since my mid-teens, I’ve been a socially aware, popular person.

Who’s always been [more...]

Six years ago, I began my very first speech on domestic violence with the following words:

“I grew up in a 4-bedroom brick house, in an upper-middle-class Chicago suburb. My father worked for IBM, and both of my parents were leaders in their church.

All through school, I was [more...]

Several times in the past, friends have faced difficult decisions about important aspects of their lives.

And, several times in the past, I’ve given them the same advice: “Think it through, do what you think is best, based on what you know right now — and please don’t let money make the decision.”

In some cases, I’ve [more...]

My biological mother passed away today.

I found out on November 2, 2011, by doing a Google search of her name and the name of the town where my older brother lives.

So, on the day that I found out, I wrote this Journal post and tucked it back onto this date.

As a reminder. [more...]

Some people are blessed to have a good father.

Someone who praises and encourages them.

Who remembers what it’s like to be a child.

And who teaches them how to build and cherish healthy, loving relationships.

On the other hand, [more...]

I really enjoy and appreciate it when my readers send me email messages.

There’s something really cool about having ongoing conversations with people all over the world that I will probably never meet in person.

Like my old friend in Albuquerque, with whom I’ve exchanged [more...]

I feel like it’s been long enough since it happened that I can share the following story with you.

Imagine that you’re in the following situation:

You are a doctor. [more...]

Regular readers of this Journal know that I’m a domestic violence survivor.

They also know that, after enduring decades of abuse from my biological family, my wife and I finally cut off all contact with them more than four years ago, and moved on with our lives. Afterward, as part of our healing, we legally changed our last name. Yesterday was the [more...]