Yesterday I read an article in Parade magazine proclaiming that ninety-eight percent of Americans today “have engaged in at least one activity to make a difference.” I wasn’t surprised; only disheartened. If you haven’t noticed, it’s become quite popular—even trendy, cool, or fashionable—to...

My dad wasn’t always there. He was around and fatherly for my childhood but relatively absent for most of my teenage years. He regrets missing those irreplaceable moments of first dates and first cars, and we’ve reconciled since those vacant years but neither of us can get them back. I tell you that...