Grandma’s Rocking Chair

Grandma’s Rocking Chair

Originally appeared in the Evangelist, April 6, 2018. “May you live to see your children’s children.” This blessing from our wedding 45 years ago has been fulfilled: My fifth grandchild’s recent visit included taking the traditional...

A Letter to Dad

Orignially appeared in the Evangelist, April 6, 2018. Memorial Day arrives between the last Sunday of Easter and Pentecost this year. But when I reflect on Memorial Day, I must go all the way back to Lent. My father, Bill Styles, died in March 1975. Every March, I...

Praying Goodbye to Archbishop Flynn

Originally appeared in the Evangelist, October 8, 2019. It was a marvelous blessing when my former high school teacher, Father Harry J. Flynn, became pastor at my parish, St. Ambrose, in 1981. He brought the same joy and love of life that I remember from my days as a...