Category Archives: psychology

On Folk Music

Posted on January 11, 2025 by richp45198

Folk music has been on my mind and heart, partially because of the film “A Complete Unknown” and also because of the death of Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul, and Mary. The songs of Bob Dylan, Peter, Paul and Mary, … Continue reading →

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Veteran Suicides

Posted on December 18, 2024 by richp45198

I recently watched a film titled “The Keeper”. It tells the true story of combat veteran George Eshleman and his journey along the Appalachian Trail. Veteran Eshleman travelled the Trail carrying the names of 363 veterans who had committed suicide, … Continue reading →

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Spiritual Mentors: Harold Kushner

Posted on December 4, 2024 by richp45198

The other day I was roaming through a used bookstore and came across an old friend. I found a book titled “Overcoming Life’s Disappointments” by Harold Kushner. I have written here about other spiritual mentors. Rabbi Kushner’s impact on my … Continue reading →

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Welcome Home Soldier

Posted on November 11, 2024 by richp45198

Here is a link to an article I wrote some time ago. The article reflects my feelings for brother and sister veterans as well as the need to be listened to. https://www.franciscanmedia.org/st-anthony-messenger/welcome-home-soldier

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The Big C: An Encounter with Cancer

Posted on October 14, 2024 by richp45198

I was recently diagnosed with skin cancer. Not pre-cancer but melanoma. Full-blown cancer. Thankfully it was treatable since it was in situ, i.e., on the surface. My initial research revealed that in situ melanoma was very treatable if it was … Continue reading →

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New York City Marathon 2001 reposted 9/11/24

Posted on September 12, 2024 by richp45198

I first posted this piece some years ago and wanted to repost it today. I have many images in my mind and heart from that time as we all do. But the enduring image from that day is that of … Continue reading →

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You Can’t Go Home Again

Posted on September 4, 2024 by richp45198

Thomas Wolfe once wrote a novel titled “You Can’t Go Home Again”. Much of Wolfe’s writing focused on that theme as he would explore his Southern roots. The above picture is of Zummo’s Coffee Shop. Beside the cafe is a … Continue reading →

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The Beatitudes: Jesus’ Forgotten Guidance

Posted on August 20, 2024 by richp45198

Christianity is in the news on a regular basis these days. Here in Texas there is increasing pressure in the legislature from Conservative Christian to legislate teaching the Bible in public schools. Elsewhere we hear more about book bannings. One … Continue reading →

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I Met Another Hero Today

Posted on July 18, 2024 by richp45198

In the past I have written about heroes in my life. Several have been baseball players. But the fact is that, through my work, I meet heroes on a regular basis. I met one today. When we think of heroes, … Continue reading →

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The Synod and the People in the Pews

Posted on June 26, 2024 by richp45198

Pope Francis recently called for a Synod to examine the state of the Church and its direction. The first gathering last fall was intended to be the culmination of a series of meetings and studies at diocesan levels to generate … Continue reading →

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