I grew up in central Indiana. It was a place and time when folks knew their neighbors and doors were left unlocked. As a child, I remember Memorial Day as a time for cookouts, trips to the lake, and listening to the Indianapolis 500 on the radio. Magical names like Parnelli Jones, Roger Ward, and A.J. Foyt filled the airways. Eventually, I attended “The” race, and when I was old enough — the snake pit. Someday I might share a few of those stories, but not today. Throughout t

Before I became a parent, I would look sideways at others in the grocery store with a strong-willed child, trying not to stare at children in the midst of a fit or talking back. With barely concealed disgust, I would think “why don’t you discipline your child?” The universe had a surprise for me — a strong-willed child of my own. As someone who believes in discipline, manners, and not being embarrassed in public on a regular basis, my strong-willed child was a true challenge.