The best of Mondays with Mike, sort of

It happens at the end of every year: News outlets recap the biggest stories of the past 12 months. Only this year also marks the end of a decade, so we’re getting recaps of the past 10 years.

This practice has always aggravated me because, well, dividing time arbitrarily by decade has always seemed dumb. For example, 1969 was a lot more like 1971 than it was 1961.

The other thing about this practice is it seems sort of lazy. Instead of covering the news of the day the outlets repurpose work they’ve  already done.

But you know, I’m feeling pretty lazy this holiday season, so what the heck: I give you my favorite Mondays with Mike posts—but not for the decade, only since I started writing these things. And, I’m not going to lie: I couldn’t wade through all of them. Jeez, I didn’t realize how many of these things I’d posted.

So, here’s a somewhat random collection of my own favorites.

And this: I’m thankful to all of you who take the time to read this stuff each Monday. It’s flattering and humbling. Here’s to a great New Year, and see you next Monday.

A very happy anniversary
On the anniversary of Beth’s terrifying brush with mortality, it was nice to take stock.

My morning commute
The wonders of Chicago I experience on my walk to work.

Wayfaring stranger
A tribute to the late, great bassist Charlie Haden.

The saints go marching in and on
Remembering Flo, Beth’s remarkable mother.

The kindness of strangers
A visit with our son Gus at his group home in Wisconsin,

My partner’s partners
With Beth leaving to get her next Seeing Eye Dog a week from today, this one is still timely.

To our dear, wee Sheelagh
We were lucky to know her.

Our version of all right
Reflections on disability.

When Pick met Henry. And Mike and Beth met Henry and Pick…
The story of beautiful friendships.