Written by: Kate Daly

My name is Kate Daly and I was the Admission Director at a place called St. Christopher’s Inn in Garrison, New York. It is a drug and alcohol rehab and a homeless shelter for men. I worked there for 13 years and over those years I have heard and seen wonderful acts of kindness, synchronicity and yes, downright acts of the angels. This is one of my favorite stories.

A young man arrived for admission and I went out to greet him. He looked dazed and somewhat overwhelmed, but this was not all that unusual on the first day at the rehab. I was prompted however to ask him if he was ok.

“I’m ok,” he said. “But you won’t believe how I got here!” Continue reading »

Missing and reflecting on my Pop, my teacher, my hero, my friend today- his 87th.
July 4, 2011

Quoting him, 1986. Looking back, Charlie expressed gratitude for his life. “I
am a very lucky man. I have neat and hardworking children (7) and soon, 20
grandchildren, work I love, and a wonderful life. My friendships are especially
important to me. For a time I fumbled the ball, but they have given me a second
chance and I am grateful. Every day is full of adventure now. And I really don’t
need more than that.”

Happy Birthday, Pop. Miss you. Bet you are lighting the heavens on fire! And don’t worry about me, Pop. I’m never, never, never going to quit! Guess I’m a chop off the old block. Love your Bird-dog, Pattie
PS Would love to hear you sing one last time, “Thank Heaven for Little Girls.”

“A man is but a product of his thoughts.  What he thinks he becomes.”
-Mahatma Ghandi


This blog is dedicated in memory of Braxton Bennet Snyder: 1949-2011

I just received a phone call that a long-time friend passed away on Sunday.  My heart is broken for the family and his loved ones.  Brax is now in the arms of the angels and he’s pain-free.  His authentic spirit will live on through countless, humorous, heart-felt stories. He was a kind man, highly admired, with great integrity, who walked proudly and respectively upon this earth.  His footprints are embedded in the hearts of many. His life was too short but his legacy lives on.  Thank you, Brax, for sharing the priceless and precious gifts of your soul. Continue reading »