My great-uncle was turning deaf and struggled with computers — so we began writing letters. Despite being over 70 years and 10,000 miles apart, we developed a strong friendship. My life would likely ...

I was writing my uncle Tom's obituary when a roundabout request appeared in my cell phone messages. "I have no agenda and do not want there to be any unpleasantness; I can keep quiet— but wanted you ...

I was not brought up to hate. I was an altar boy, a shy suburban kid who learned right from wrong and thought decency was ...

My aunt moved in with my family after my uncle died. It wasn't just a comfort to her; she helped my young family in countless ...

I grew up in a bohemian household in Southern California where icons of the literary, film, and music worlds would often converge. On any given evening, there might be a noted author in our living ...