2023 Columns

On September 13, 2008, we got a call while at St. Simons that our grandson, Zachary Earl Wansley, had collapsed and died during a training run while preparing for the Atlanta Marathon.  Zack was the epitome of a scholar-athlete.  In high school, he had been president of the student body, captain of the track and cross country teams, an honor student and winner of the Journal … [Read more...] about January 22, 2023: Remembering The Good Who Die Too Young

The year was 1785. Thirteen states composed the Confederation Congress. Thomas Jefferson was appointed the U.S. Minister to France and John Adams, the U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom. George Washington was puttering around on his estate at Mount Vernon after having dispatched the mighty Brits back across the pond where they belonged. A year earlier, Lyman Hall, … [Read more...] about January 15, 2023: Happy Birthday to This Special ‘Seminary Of Learning’

Dear Cameron Charles Yarbrough: Well, it’s that time of year again when your great grandfather dispenses a little advice to you that he wishes he had gotten when he was your age. This annual letter began when your father and his cousins were tykes. I never asked them if they read or saved or followed my advice. And I won’t ask you, either. I can’t live your life for you. … [Read more...] about January 8, 2023: Some Words of Advice To A Great Grandson

KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK! “Who’s there?” “It’s 2023. May I come in? It’s a bit cold out here. All I’m wearing is a sash and some Huggies!” “Please do. I’m glad to see you but aren’t you supposed to be getting ready for, well, uh, the new year?” “That is what I wanted to talk to you about. Before he left, 2022 told me that one of the first things I should do is to talk to … [Read more...] about January 1, 2023: Sharing Some Advice for the New Year