Author: Martin Wiles

"Just run away, Forrest." Jenny gave Forrest Gump this advice when he faced unpleasant situations. And I've done it. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote, "I shot an arrow into the air, it fell to earth, I knew not where." And I've done that, … Read more

In the much-beloved movie about a slower-than-normal young boy, Forrest Gump sat before his dying mother and asked, "What's my destiny, Momma?" Momma Gump's definition of destiny was similar to that for fate. She didn't know, and Forrest … Read more

I was amazed the first time I saw it. I imagined I never would, but I did. My brother and I had recently started backcountry camping. Our first trip found us with cheap sleeping bags that delivered only shivers. So we visited a reputable … Read more

I wasn't excited about going, so I held onto the pool's side. That's where I made my mistake.

I was nine and couldn't swim. No one in my family could — not dad nor mom nor any of my grandparents. Since I came from a swim-less family, … Read more

Monday was around the corner, and we were broke. If we didn't pay, life would change drastically.

Christmas was near, and times were tough. My wife and I had one part-time job between us. Income wasn't sufficient for the bills — at … Read more

I wasn't then, but I wanted to be. I'm still not, but I no longer care.

I was an ordinary kid. Not oooed- and ahhed-over by the girls. Not the teacher's pet. Didn't make straight As or have perfect attendance. I was skinny, freckle-faced, … Read more

I've never liked them and have only ridden a couple, and then, only because someone I loved encouraged me.

With names like Thunder Road, Mindbender, Avalanche Run, and Afterburn, roller coasters frighten me. In fact, almost all rides at … Read more

"Respect your elders." How many times I heard that growing up! I knew I should, but I didn't always want to. My parents put forth great effort to teach me respect for them, family members, teachers, and other significant adults. … Read more

I wish that I were the kind of grace channeller that he was. Like most people, I'd rather get it than give it. It's easier. He had big dreams and didn't mind sharing them with his family: dreams of ruling … Read more

R.J. had a physical and mental condition resulting in loss of feeling. He was a college mate struggling to make the grade. I distinctly remember him coming to a midwinter class with no shoes. Loss of touch created many dangerous … Read more