Thomas Donnelly

Codger & Sweets Thomas Donnelly

The book you hold in your hands is not my fault. Writing is hard work, and I have spent a lifetime trying to avoid all forms of hard work. I blame it on all those people who have been reading my column for many years and have asked for the book to send to friends, thereby cutting down on the time spent on Christmas presents for distant relatives. I blame this book on Sweet Nancy, who let me know I owed her for numerous infractions through the years. "It should be fun and strengthen our marriage if we rewrote all the columns," I remember her saying early one morning before I was fully awake. We hope, as you read, you will laugh, view life with more hope, and occasionally be touched by the stories of the people who allowed me to share their journey. I hope in our story you will be reminded of a story of your own and want to share it. Each and every story needs a teller and a listener. It works so much better if you take turns. It is in this joy-filled experience that life is richer and worth living.