Tried watching television news the other day. I have been purposely staying away from the tube. Since getting to Atlanta, we have not had too much TV time. There are other more important things to do, like sit and chat into the wee hours.

We avoid watching the news and I get current only through Yahoo. I am sick and tired of political garbage and the news networks here dish it out 24/7. It is still partisan politics at its worst, with Democrats out to make life impossible for Republicans and vice versa. It has become predictable and boring.

But I was interested in what the fired FBI director had to say. Sensitive stuff. I thought it was explosive, quite daring. I like how he answered questions at the congressional hearing. Under oath, he sounded sincere.

I avoided the commentaries that followed. That’s when commentators do their “spinning.”

Now the public breathlessly awaits the outcome of the expose. Was the former FBI chief a vindictive sore loser? Did he lie? Who, if anyone, is telling the truth? I guess it all depends on whom you want to believe. At the moment it is a “he said-she said” situation.

I wonder if there are children aware of what is going on. If they look away from their iPads and video games long enough to pay attention, can we explain it away? Just asking.

The news, here and around the globe, is disturbing, sometimes scary. But we will not allow it to steal the joy of our reunions. We are having too much fun.

We have chosen not to discuss the issues among ourselves. It is impossible to all be in agreement. And we have no time—nor are we in the mood—for arguments. Life is too short for angst and anger.

On another channel they discuss the trial of Bill Cosby, once upon a time my family’s favorite funny man. It is disheartening to hear about the depraved behavior of this formerly wholesome entertainment icon. What happened?

Is there anyone we can believe in? Who can our young people admire? Who can they emulate? We used to have heroes back in the day. Have they gone out of style?

Memories of my father are etched forever in my heart. He was my hero.

It’s Father’s Day. Today we celebrate all the dads. Being a father is not an easy job. A lot is expected and expectations are hard to meet.

So let’s hear it for the dads all over the world. Some of them need to be mommies, too. And then there are the countless brave women who have to assume the daddy role. We salute them all.

I remember Papa, a man of integrity with a fabulous sense of humor. He was honest, kind, humble and a gentleman in every sense of the word.

The youngest of 12, he started life totally disadvantaged, destitute, an orphan before he was three years old. He spent many years in an orphanage and was eventually raised by his older brother.

Papa became a sea captain and later a harbor pilot. He loved what he did and was reluctant to retire at 70.

Papa had friends in high places but always shunned the trappings of power. He hated ostentation and was repulsed by the strutting about of the rich and famous.

With all my heart I miss him, but I am grateful that he is away from the decadence and corruption that surrounds us today. He would be totally appalled by our present-day politicos.

My mother was the love of his life. He thought she was the most beautiful woman in the world. When she passed at the age of 55, Papa was inconsolable and mourned her for the rest of his days.

My life was not quite what my father would have wanted for me. But I always felt his love no matter what I did. I pray that I learn to love like he did.

I recently found a few scattered thoughts scribbled on little scraps of paper. Perhaps these may be fitting to share today.

Here goes:

“Life has a way of running out;

Time is not known for standing still.

One tries to catch the fading sun,

But dawn hurries up behind a hill.”

“Tomorrow comes around too quickly,

Then the night more quickly ends.

And tears are shed as we discover

It’s too late now to make amends.”

Papa

“Words of wisdom you have spoken