Author Archives: russtowne

About russtowne

I'm awed by the beauty of nature and the power of love and gratitude. Some of my favorite sensory experiences include waves crashing on rocky shores, waterways in ancient redwood and fern-filled forests, and rain. My wife and I have been married since 1979. We have 3 adult children and 5 grandchildren. I manage a wealth management firm that I founded in 2003. My Beloved is a Special Education teacher for Kindergartners and First Graders. I'm a published author of approximately 60 books in a variety of genres for grownups and children.

Soldier’s Surprise Homecoming At Christmas Parade Shocks Family

Posted on December 19, 2012 by russtowne

With the help of the town’s police chief, a returning soldier surprised his family in a big way during a Christmas parade. Here are some snippets: An unexpected event stole the show during the annual Christmas parade in Shelby, N.C., … Continue reading →

Posted in Stories That Touched Me, Vids & Stories That Touched Me | Tagged antique police car, baby girl, Christmas parade surprise, garandmother, homecoming, honor guard, Jeff Ledford, little girl, mom, Mother, police chief, Serena, Shelby, Shelby Police Chief Jeff Ledford, soldier, Specialist Walter Smith | 6 Comments

“So Many Caring People In this World”

Posted on December 17, 2012 by russtowne

“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’ To this day, especially in times of ‘disaster,’ … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Heroes, Kindness, Love, Making the World a Better Place, Quotes I Love, Stories That Touched Me | Tagged 9/11, Caring, children, children. childrens', compassion, curiosity, episodes, fears, Fred Rogers, Friend, friends, Friendship, gentle, helper, helpers, Heroes, kind, kndness, Love, Mr. Rogers', Relationship, September 11, show, television, TV | 12 Comments

The Beginning of Love

Posted on December 16, 2012 by russtowne

“The beginning of love is to let those we love be perfectly themselves, and not to twistThoth to fit our own image. Otherwise we love only the reflection of ourselves we find in them.”. — Thomas Merton I got married … Continue reading →

Posted in Acceptance, Breakthroughs, LIfe Lessons, Marriage, Quotes I Love, Relationship Lessons Learned | Tagged find, image, Love, ourselves, perfectly, reflection, themselves, Thomas Merton, wist | 6 Comments

The Greater Humanity Becomes

Posted on December 16, 2012 by russtowne

“The more people we love the greater humanity becomes.” — Anthony Douglas Williams

Posted in Love | Tagged Anthony Douglas Williams, greater, humanity, Love, people | Leave a comment

Middle Son and His Lovely Wife Just Told Me They Are Expecting!

Posted on December 16, 2012 by russtowne

It looks like I’m going to be grandfather for the second time! I became a grandfather for the first time about 7 months ago via Oldest Son and his Lovely Wife. I’m a very blessed and grateful man! Russ

Posted in Abundance, Adventure, Family "Fun", Parenting, Uncategorized | 16 Comments

Posted on December 15, 2012 by russtowne

Originally posted on Russ Towne's A Grateful Man :
When our middle son was a young teenager, one of his chores was to mow the lawns. One day as I walked into the house after work I noticed that the…

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

My Apologies For Disappearing

Posted on December 15, 2012 by russtowne

Dear Friends: A combination of travel and technical difficulties have made it very difficult to communicate with you all. I promise to catch up as best as I can as soon as I’m able. Please know that you are in … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

The Day Girls Saved Me

Posted on December 14, 2012 by russtowne

(Some of you may have seen this story on my blog before, but I sometimes re-post an earlier story to give newer friends a chance to learn more about some of the goofier messes I got myself into.) Many years … Continue reading →

Posted in Anger, Bullying, Challenges, Friendship, True Stories I've Written | Tagged Anger, boys, bullies, friends, girls, high school, JROTC, lockers, pounded, rage, retired, trouble, U.S. Marine Corps, uniform, USMC | 6 Comments

Posted on December 14, 2012 by russtowne

Originally posted on Dr Bill Wooten:
“Support the type of thinking that leads you to feeling good, peaceful & happy.” ~ Allan Lokos, Pocket Peace: Effective Practices for Enlightened Living

Posted in Uncategorized | 4 Comments

Ode to Mimi

Posted on December 14, 2012 by russtowne

Thank you dear Mimi For the award you gave to me Blog of the Year 2012 As a prize it’s mighty swell But there’s something I value a whole lot more Than this golden-star award And I hope it comes … Continue reading →