My title reads “Communications Specialist,” for the Highmark Caring Place, A Center for Grieving Children, Adolescents and Their Families. What’s behind the title?

For one thing, I’ve always liked to try to understand things, to figure things out, to know what the hidden connections are beneath all the chaotic events of the world around us. That’s anything from birds and bugs to stars and galaxies to human interactions and historical movements.

I’ve also enjoyed, as far back as I can remember, word play of all kinds — experimenting just for the fun of seeing the sparks when a couple of unexpected words come together, or making use of words to try to explain a particular insight or understanding or connection that’s come to mind.

Put those together, and maybe it’s a little clearer why I’m drawn to writing in particular, and communications in general.

One other patch to the quilt that makes up who I am is a connection to children. Even when I was young, I saw other kids, especially those younger than me, as having something important to say, but not really being heard. I feel very lucky to work where I do, to be in a place where I get to listen to the wisdom of the kids. I’ve learned a great deal from the young people who have come to the Caring Place, and my life is richer for it.

I have also gotten to share my life with my beautiful wife and our two great kids (not to mention two rather eccentric cats). I can’t say that I have figured any of them out (the cats or the humans), but I have learned a great deal from my family, especially about love and acceptance. And sometimes that’s really good enough.

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