Author Archives: Ed Kowalski

Back when summers were loud, streets were ours, and joy cost about fifty cents, there was Tina’s—the around-the-block candy store on 83rd. You’d walk in with a pocketful of change—sticky from melted candy—and head straight for the wire bin near the register. No need to ask. No need to explain. There it was, waiting forContinue reading “When Happiness Cost 45 Cents”

I’ve learned the hard way—there comes a point when holding things together just isn’t worth it. Meryl Streep once said, “Let things fall apart—stop exhausting yourself trying to hold them together.” She was right. Some things aren’t meant to last. Some people were never meant to stay. And forcing what’s already breaking only ends upContinue reading “You Know What Needs to Be Said—So Say It”

I keep this photo in my office. It’s a reminder of what real suffering looks like. Her name was Czesława Kwoka—a 14-year-old Catholic girl from Poland, deported to Auschwitz with her mother during the Nazi occupation. Shortly after they arrived, a guard beat her in the face for not understanding orders in German. Then, thisContinue reading “Never Forget”

My high school has, recently, published a number of photos of its newly admitted class of 2028 and I’ve enjoyed seeing these pictures. It’s been 51 years since I first entered Xavier. I see myself in these newly admitted ‘brothers’. Proud, happy, a bit scared; all on display. These young men have no way ofContinue reading “Future Sons of Xavier”

Ulvade, Texas. A city that now takes it place along side Parkland, Buffalo, Columbine, Sante Fe, Newtown and many others. 19 kids…19. Innocent lives lost and families that will forever be altered. 19 kids. All at an age where their biggest concern should be fractions, the end of the school year, little league,cub scouts, girlContinue reading “19 Kids”

From the Urban Dictionary:Eddie’s are extremely nice guys, are incredibly attractive for not only physical appearance but also their great sense of humor, they thrive on making others laugh and are very intelligent however having such a laid back attitude is their down fall. Surrounded by friends, an Eddie is a one in a million.Continue reading “I’ll always be an Eddie.”

Most divorced dads I have known over the years have had weekends and one night a week with their kid(s), at best. Sometimes every other weekend. And it’s no slight on how each custody agreement comes together. There are a million factors that play an important role in this decision. No judgment.The judgment is whatContinue reading “Just call me a Dad….”

It’s graduation season again. The ceremonies seem to get more elaborate and there seem to be more and more of them. Pre-school. Primary-school. Middle-school. High-school. Under-grad. Grad-school. Everyone gets a ceremony. These days it’s all virtual as well. It’s like spring-training for wedding season–lots of wobbly-high heels and clip-on ties. I must confess, I’m aContinue reading “Pomp and Circumstance”

Stop showing up for people who have no interest in your presence. I know your instinct is to do everything to earn the appreciation of those around you, but it’s a boost that steals your time, energy, mental and physical health. When you begin to fight for a life with joy, interest and commitment, notContinue reading “It Takes a Lifetime to Learn”

This morning, WKIP’s Hudson Valley Live Show interviewed Rob Astorino, former Westchester County Executive and current Republican candidate for Governor. https://clyp.it/xclnw1uv