~ Not only a VERY loving story about your Dad and his VERY fine character but also I SO appreciate your contrast of his life and I think many of our father’s and grandfather’s lives to the “empty soul” and cruel ways of Trump. My parents, who did vote Republican would be in SHOCK to see someone who is character wise and experience wise so ill equipped to be America’s President!!! He has brought great damage to the tapestry of Democracy along with a strong wind of “Hate” that has changed many minds of Americans.
Thankful for you that you know your proud Legacy. I am fortunate to know that also .
Thank you for your bold and Important words and thoughts!!!!!!!! 🙏
This is a great tribute. It sounds like your Dad lived out his values to the maximum, unlike Donald, who leaned from Fred how to swindle people and block certain races from your apartments.
Thanks for the inspiring tribute to your father. I have another thing to say about a business person running the government. I often hear the same thing about needing a business person needs to run a school or even to run the entire system of education in this country. The needs of a business are not the same as the needs of a school or a democracy. I don’t know why people keep getting that mixed up.
I had the experience of working at a nonprofit organization for nearly 30 years. We were a human services organization providing opportunities to people with disabilities. A new vice president began to run it on a business model and just like that the humanity was lost. Money, power, greed.
Beautifully written, with both intelligence and heart. These are two qualities which are desperately needed in our current administration. I pray that Love wins in the end.
Thank you not only for your wise words but also for these beautiful photographs of the men in your family. What they all seem to have in common is soulful eyes. You are blessed to come from such a lineage of wise, kind men of great integrity. Fruit does not fall far from the tree. (So sorry for the cliche.)
A great read as always Parker. As a Canadian, along with many of my fellow citizens, share the same confusion/question Why have so many Americans been duped by the Misleader?
Happy Father’s Day to those who celebrate. Happy Non-Patriarch and Non-Male Monarch Day. I am in Chicago today for my son to receive his MBA. I raised him as his only custodial parent. He is a strong and positive force in our country. Named after Dwight Eisenhower in a career military family - I had to push-back on much toxic, male masculinity. I was schooled in violence and had to learn to be peaceful, without leaving strength behind. I have dealt with many wannabe monarch Presidents and shoulda, woulda, coulda Kings. This is not new. But it IS a new time and opportunity to be free, eventually. Maybe even now! Be kind today to anyone who is a father or ever had one. Peace, Dwight Lee Wolter.
I think I am most saddened by the loss of goodwill (soft power, in political terms) DJT has wrought upon us. I am baffled by Christians who can cheer for the way we have cut life-saving funding for countless programs, treated the neighbors living within our borders worse than any enemy, and mocked or silenced those who dare to speak out. New elections may help correct policies, but it will take years and multiple election cycles to rebuild our global goodwill.
I found your stories of the men in your life so heartwarming and hopeful. This is how I also remember my father and grandfather (who I only knew through stories). Somehow, it gives me hope to be reminded that these values run deep in our history. Happy Father's Day.
Your dad and grandfather sound like such amazing men who lived a life of love and integrity. And clearly it rubbed off. No doubt they are proud of the man you are. ❤️
Parker, I am in awe, but not a bit surprised, in your ability to weave 3 important topics together into a wonderful reflection. I will be on the sidewalk tomorrow, in my Peaceful Protester shirt, to stand for the things I believe in. Thank you for your lifetime of honorable leadership.
Parker, how do we deal with the sadness, hopelessness, and helplessness that comes with this administration? It feels like we have little recourse to help, fight back, make a difference. I’m anxious and depressed everyday with each new news report I read.
Hi, Cori. I know that's a tough question for lots of people, and I think the answer starts with self-care: talk with people you trust, do things that energize you, body, mind and spirit, and don't consume too much bad news. Then, if and when you can, reach out to support others in need, and join with others in pushing back. Yesterday's No Kings Rallies brought at least 6 million Americans to the streets, they say, so I think momentum is building toward getting us back on track, starting with the 2026 midterm elections. Peace and power to you!
Very wise and important reply to Cori! So many of us feel that same sadness and frustration with the question of “How can this be happening????”
Yes! I was encouraged and felt that my spirit was buoyed by participating in the “No Kings” protest!!! I will be present in other protests to be a part of our Democratic right to voice our hopes and fears !!!!!!!
Thank you once again for your wise words and for speaking truth. It’s a reminder we all need to hear.
WOW Palmer!!!!!!!
~ Not only a VERY loving story about your Dad and his VERY fine character but also I SO appreciate your contrast of his life and I think many of our father’s and grandfather’s lives to the “empty soul” and cruel ways of Trump. My parents, who did vote Republican would be in SHOCK to see someone who is character wise and experience wise so ill equipped to be America’s President!!! He has brought great damage to the tapestry of Democracy along with a strong wind of “Hate” that has changed many minds of Americans.
Thankful for you that you know your proud Legacy. I am fortunate to know that also .
Thank you for your bold and Important words and thoughts!!!!!!!! 🙏
This is a great tribute. It sounds like your Dad lived out his values to the maximum, unlike Donald, who leaned from Fred how to swindle people and block certain races from your apartments.
Thanks for the inspiring tribute to your father. I have another thing to say about a business person running the government. I often hear the same thing about needing a business person needs to run a school or even to run the entire system of education in this country. The needs of a business are not the same as the needs of a school or a democracy. I don’t know why people keep getting that mixed up.
I had the experience of working at a nonprofit organization for nearly 30 years. We were a human services organization providing opportunities to people with disabilities. A new vice president began to run it on a business model and just like that the humanity was lost. Money, power, greed.
thanks for this sad, but common story.....
Beautifully written, with both intelligence and heart. These are two qualities which are desperately needed in our current administration. I pray that Love wins in the end.
As always, shining the light on virtue. Thank you 🙏🏻
Parker,
Thank you not only for your wise words but also for these beautiful photographs of the men in your family. What they all seem to have in common is soulful eyes. You are blessed to come from such a lineage of wise, kind men of great integrity. Fruit does not fall far from the tree. (So sorry for the cliche.)
A great read as always Parker. As a Canadian, along with many of my fellow citizens, share the same confusion/question Why have so many Americans been duped by the Misleader?
Happy Father’s Day to those who celebrate. Happy Non-Patriarch and Non-Male Monarch Day. I am in Chicago today for my son to receive his MBA. I raised him as his only custodial parent. He is a strong and positive force in our country. Named after Dwight Eisenhower in a career military family - I had to push-back on much toxic, male masculinity. I was schooled in violence and had to learn to be peaceful, without leaving strength behind. I have dealt with many wannabe monarch Presidents and shoulda, woulda, coulda Kings. This is not new. But it IS a new time and opportunity to be free, eventually. Maybe even now! Be kind today to anyone who is a father or ever had one. Peace, Dwight Lee Wolter.
I think I am most saddened by the loss of goodwill (soft power, in political terms) DJT has wrought upon us. I am baffled by Christians who can cheer for the way we have cut life-saving funding for countless programs, treated the neighbors living within our borders worse than any enemy, and mocked or silenced those who dare to speak out. New elections may help correct policies, but it will take years and multiple election cycles to rebuild our global goodwill.
I found your stories of the men in your life so heartwarming and hopeful. This is how I also remember my father and grandfather (who I only knew through stories). Somehow, it gives me hope to be reminded that these values run deep in our history. Happy Father's Day.
Your dad and grandfather sound like such amazing men who lived a life of love and integrity. And clearly it rubbed off. No doubt they are proud of the man you are. ❤️
Happy Father's Day, Parker and Thank you
Parker, I am in awe, but not a bit surprised, in your ability to weave 3 important topics together into a wonderful reflection. I will be on the sidewalk tomorrow, in my Peaceful Protester shirt, to stand for the things I believe in. Thank you for your lifetime of honorable leadership.
Parker, how do we deal with the sadness, hopelessness, and helplessness that comes with this administration? It feels like we have little recourse to help, fight back, make a difference. I’m anxious and depressed everyday with each new news report I read.
Hi, Cori. I know that's a tough question for lots of people, and I think the answer starts with self-care: talk with people you trust, do things that energize you, body, mind and spirit, and don't consume too much bad news. Then, if and when you can, reach out to support others in need, and join with others in pushing back. Yesterday's No Kings Rallies brought at least 6 million Americans to the streets, they say, so I think momentum is building toward getting us back on track, starting with the 2026 midterm elections. Peace and power to you!
Very wise and important reply to Cori! So many of us feel that same sadness and frustration with the question of “How can this be happening????”
Yes! I was encouraged and felt that my spirit was buoyed by participating in the “No Kings” protest!!! I will be present in other protests to be a part of our Democratic right to voice our hopes and fears !!!!!!!
Nice reflection. Thank you for sharing.
Happy Father's Day!
Thanks, Miriam! Glad this spoke to you.