Author Archives: Wright Flyer Guy

In 1983, I was at Ball State University on my first time away from home on my birthday and Mother started a tradition of calling me at the time I was born, 6:03 PM. Sometimes, she’d call as I was … Continue reading →

Wednesday morning, September 23, 1964, Dr. Ulrey examined my mother who had begun labor pains a few hours before. “I don’t think the baby is ready to arrive within the next few hours, or even today, but I’m hoping it … Continue reading →

I’m waiting at the downtown Dayton bus terminal and the evening is absolutely splendid with the nice breeze flowing through the buildings and open arcade. Midweek hit like a drunk bat out of hell when we discovered a leak in … Continue reading →

New Normal definition: What replaces the expected, usual, typical state after an event occurs. The new normal encourages one to deal with current situations rather than … It’s now been one month since Mother’s funeral and this new normal is slugging … Continue reading →

I’m sitting on my front steps waiting for my DoorDash delivery from Frisch’s and the traffic on Shroyer Road is non-stop. It’s one of the biggest nights in Kettering: the much anticipated Kettering vs Alter football game. The community goes … Continue reading →

I love the energy of school resuming, especially with marching band; however, this is my least favorite time of year: the end of summer. While we officially still have several more weeks of summer, this weekend reins in the season. … Continue reading →

My personalized thank you cards will arrive next week. In the mean time, I wanted to be certain each and every individual who contributed something to my life, these past several weeks, understands how much your thoughtfulness meant. From “hearts” … Continue reading →

It’s mid August, and this is my first visit to Riverscape where I’ve climbed into my favorite swing over looking the Great Miami River. I spent some time near the river scape pavilion, listening to the swing band and watching … Continue reading →

The first major sign defining Mother’s passing is not seeing her daily Facebook “likes” for my posts, a commentary on a post, and always followed by “I love you” or “Love you.” It’s almost surreal realizing she’s no longer here. … Continue reading →

It’s still Monday. I’m passing through the Oregon District where the mass shooting occurred early Sunday morning. Television news crews line a section of the street across from where the shootings occurred. A gathering of folks surround a makeshift memorial … Continue reading →

MIAGD: Make it a great day “Make it a great day!” I am more than certain Mother would not want it any other way. There is still a day to be lived. This is a new day that requires not … Continue reading →

The helplessness of watching someone in the final stages of dying… The frustration of watching someone in the final stages of dying… The heartbreak of watching someone in the final stages of dying… I’ve often read the phrase, “cancer sucks.” … Continue reading →

By the time this post appears on social media, I shall be on my way back to my mother’s side as the curtain lowers on this final act. Mother’s spoken lines are now hushed, her movement stilled.  The breathing is … Continue reading →

At 2:05 AM, just about 15 minutes ago, my sister called after receiving word from the nursing home that Mother’s condition has greatly deteriorated. For the past three weeks it has been touch and go. We wait. We’ve known there … Continue reading →

This past Friday, while my sister and I had some alone time with Mother, we discussed her funeral and burial wishes. Mother was very matter of fact about what she wants. I was commissioned by Her Admiralty to write her … Continue reading →

JOSEPH & THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAM COAT. This young man, wearing a dream coat, did a fantastic job as Joseph. I am so proud of Hunter Dale in this role. This is the first time I have had a private … Continue reading →

I pulled into my driveway around 6:45 AM, this morning. I carried in a doggie bag containing half of a huge slice of lemon cake from Shapiro’s Deli on Meridian Street, downtown Indianapolis.  In my refrigerator was a pizza from … Continue reading →

Independence Day, July 4th, 2019. Three legendary musical pieces are always at the top of my favorites: I first heard the Wilhousky arrangement of “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” at The Elwood High School Variety Shows in the late … Continue reading →

Mr. Lincoln walks alone… Stacey Goecke captured my good friend, Bob Koogler, who has portrayed President Lincoln for nearly thirty years. When I first moved to Dayton, Ohio, Sarah Koogler was the very first person I met. In 1996, I … Continue reading →

Once again, my neighbor lady introduced me to another mind-blowing movie, far from the concert halls of Pavarotti and into the rounded farming ranges near Los Angeles. Watch the video, first… Wow!  The film is incredible. And, this interview is … Continue reading →

My neighbor lady, Kay, asked if I’d like to go to The Neon Movies to see PAVAROTTI and I cannot think of a better way to spend a summer weekday afternoon while I am not teaching this week. I knew … Continue reading →

At 11:00 PM, the canine quartet and I crawled up the stairs to prepare for slumber. I turned my laptop on and on Hulu 1952 motion picture, THE QUIET MAN, had just started. Ugh. Sleep will wait. When I was … Continue reading →

Many of us have or have had nicknames. I’ve often been called, “DJ,” or “Deej.” I always thought my one nickname was, “Destin,” as Mother has consistently called each of us by the other’s name. As a little fellow, Grandma … Continue reading →