Effective parenting is not an easy task, but I recently saw it in action. The simple magic was that this parent was not raising two daughters — she already has two daughters. She is raising two adults.
What are you raising?
Quick Quips are a developing feature of the Walter Writes Blog, which explores simplicity in a complicated world.
According to a recent email from The Dictionary Project, the word “congenial” originally meant “kindred” or “born together.” Definitions do change. Over time, the word has shifted to being more about spirit than birth. Being congenial is now about comfort and relaxation. The phrase “kindred spirits” comes to mind. It doesn’t apply only to close, ongoing relationships. It can exist in the present moment.
Are you encouraging congeniality in your relationships?
Quick Quips are a developing feature of the Walter Writes Blog, which explores simplicity in a complicated world.
Simple things often have consequences. While strolling around Belfast, Maine, during the annual Celtic Celebration, I nearly missed a photo op, perhaps because it was simple. I actually walked past it and had to return.
I doubt I’ll receive a Pulitzer for the photo, but I like it because it is an invitation. It’s an invitation to write the story behind the image.
My first reaction was to report the tragedy behind the photo. While I wasn’t tempted to pick it up and take it to lost and found, I did look around for a crying child. I also briefly hoped that Mom or Dad was carrying a spare. It’s a familiar story for anyone who has raised a child.
The simple photo allows us to write the story differently and give it meaning. We can do that in our minds or on paper. But we ought to think when we do so.
Perhaps what seems a tragedy was actually a triumph. It’s possible the child decided, “I don’t need this anymore.” The Belfast waterfront is not such a bad place to commit to something new.
Later in the day, I found a marker that suggested another, different story. Or maybe not so different. For some reason, I’d missed it during all my previous visits to the harbor.
“Laila Al-Matrouk might have stopped here to talk with, you friend or stranger. She met the world with unabashed curiosity and love. Peace was her goal and justice her path. The Laila in our hearts reminds us to laugh and dance and sing our way to that future.“
The stories we see and hear, the stories we write, may blur the line between tragedy and triumph when we approach those stories with curiosity and love. Leave lots of room to laugh and dance and sing.
I had the occasion to share this poem with a friend yesterday. It seems appropriate to share it more widely! It was written by Edgar Guest and published in the Detroit Free Press (March 4, 1921). This poem is now in the public domain.
When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
And the road you’re trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest if you must, but don’t you quit.
Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns.
And many a failure turns about
When he might have won had he stuck it out.
Don’t give up though the pace seems slow,
You may succeed with another blow.
Often the goal is nearer than it seems
To a faint and faltering man.
Often the struggler has given up when he
Might have captured the victor’s cup,
And he learned too late when the night slipped down,
How close he was to the golden crown.
Success is failure turned inside out,
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are.
It may be near when it seems afar.
So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit.
It’s when things seem worst that
You mustn’t quit.
In my role as Communications Director of the Maine State Grange, I often encounter people who are achieving great things. Vicki Huff, former President of the Maine State Grange, is participating for the first time in the annual Tri for a Cure Triathlon. Vicki explains her motivation in this short video.
The Maine Cancer Foundation (MCF) leads this statewide effort to reduce the impact of cancer in Maine, investing in the most promising and effective programs that:
The triathlon consists of three parts. Vicki has teamed up with her sister Veronica. Veronica will handle the swimming and biking portions, while Vicki handles the walking and running portions. The name of their team is VForce.
This year’s event happens on Sunday, July 12, 2026. Tri for a Cure has become the largest triathlon in the state of Maine, providing a gorgeous race course along the shores of Cape Elizabeth and South Portland.
The Triathlon has a great fundraising approach with several components. First, participants are required to raise a minimum of $500 each to be eligible. The Maine Cancer Foundation (MCF) recruits sponsors for the event itself, so all of the money raised goes directly to the cause.
While the VForce Team has raised the minimum. Additional donations are certainly in order! Use the link below to show your support. 100% of funds raised stay in Maine to support cancer prevention, screening, and improved patient outcomes. The money you help us raise will make a difference in the lives of your neighbors and communities around Maine. Now, more than ever, cancer patients need our help!