Category: From the Desk of the Executive Director

Dear family and friends, Our family recently welcomed a furry four-legged friend into our family. She has brought us so much joy (and less sleep) over the last three months… we wouldn’t trade her for anything. It’s funny how much…

Dear Family and Friends, They say… “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. When life throws you a rainy day, play in the puddles. When it gives you a hundred reasons to cry, show that you have a thousand reasons…

Dear Family and Friends: “That’s not fair!” Unfairness is a concept I think we all share right now. Life is not fair…especially life during COVID. A season where fairness doesn’t seem to care who it leaves behind. Canceled plans, missed…

Dear Family and Friends: I don’t know if you’re like me, but I worry. Especially about my children. I think that’s a common denominator for all of us, but especially those of us who call themselves a “mom” or “dad”.…

Dear Family and Friends, My dad was a wise man. He was a prudent businessman, a talented writer, had a good eye for photography, was always encouraging and supportive to those around him, and had excellent taste in sports teams…

Dear Family and Friends, My wife loves antiques. From our dining room table to our little girl’s bed, we have antiques everywhere. We love the idea that each item has a story. How amazing would it be if each item…

Dear Friends and Family, My family recently took a camping trip to Beavers Bend, Oklahoma. Note: when I say “camping trip”, I mean inside a cabin with air conditioning and plumbing. This was the first time just the four of…

BVT Family and Friends, On my most recent bike ride, I was pedaling down a sidewalk next to a busy street. Usually, I ride on the street or along larger sidewalks, but on this particular stretch of sidewalk, it was…

BVT Family and Friends, Many privileges come along with fatherhood. Raising children in itself is a privilege. Getting to teach them new things, getting to watch them grow, getting to play, fish and wrestle with them…all privileges. Getting to watch…

Dear Families and Friends: “Whatever goes up, must come down.” I have recently gotten into biking. No, I don’t mean riding a motorcycle (that would be a site to see), but rather cycling. And the saying above is one that…