Stories

December 20, 2023

A Wonderful Christmas Story – Part 1

My most popular books, at least based on sales and letters, are the Bryson City series. In the second book in this series, Bryson City Seasons, I […]
December 19, 2023

Wreaths Across America honors my father

My family and I are so grateful to the volunteers and donors at Wreaths Across America for honoring my father and those heroes buried with him.
December 19, 2023

Avoiding the Christmas blues

A patient recently told me that Christmas music actually makes her sad—and she’s embarrassed to feel like a Grinch. If you can relate, you’re not alone.
December 18, 2023

Toy safety tips for Christmas day

As the presents are being opened at Christmas, if you have small children in the house, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) urges gift-givers to […]
December 17, 2023

If the origin of Christmas is “pagan,” should Christians celebrate the holiday?

As we approach the Christmas holiday, Christians will often be challenged by those who note the “pagan” origin of Christmas. As a result, some Christians believe […]
December 16, 2023

Preventing a Christmas tree fire

Christmas trees may be bright and merry, but they can pose a fire hazard if you’re not careful. The National Fire Protection Association offers these suggestions […]
December 15, 2023

Ask Dr. Walt 33 – Reducing Depression This New Year

A report from the World Health Organization warned of an epidemic that has become the leading cause of disability in the world, affecting more than 300 […]
December 14, 2023

‘Tis the season for colorectal screening? Give a life-saving gift this Christmas.

Merry Christmas, and get a colorectal exam! Sound unusual? One study found that sending reminders for colorectal screening exams during the December holiday season or near […]
February 10, 2024

February 10, 1944 – A teenage WWII hero arrives in North Africa

On the Liberty Ship, 18-year-old, Phil Larimore, the youngest commissioned Army officer in World War II, stood on the deck and watched his homeland disappear over […]
February 11, 2024

February 11, 1944 – A teenage WWII hero writes home from French Morocco

While Phil  and the thousands of replacements in camp with him waited in French Morocco for their assignments, the war waged in Europe without them. Phil […]
February 12, 2024

February 12, 1944 – A teenage WWII hero rides a famous Berber war horse in Morocco

Phil had written his mother about letting “a cute girl that I met near camp teach me French.” He also learned from her about a Moroccan […]
February 13, 2024

February 13, 1944 – A teenage WWII hero rides a train to the war

Orders were issued for 1,000 men, including Phil, to board narrow-gauge railroad cars for a three-day train ride across Morocco and Algeria to Oran, a major […]
February 15, 2024

February 15, 1944 – A teenage WWII hero ships out to Naples

In Oran, Phil was among 200 infantry lieutenants who boarded the Highland Queen, a small British steamer bound for Naples, Italy. He was part of a […]
February 16, 2024

February 16, 1944 – A teenage WWII hero’s future units pinned down on Anzio

On February 16, 1944, the Germans had completely surrounded the Allies that were pinned down on the Anzio Beachhead — which the men quickly named ‘The […]