Casting Call

“Other things may change us, but we start and end with family.”

– Anthony Brandt, associate professor of composition, Shepherd School of Music

“When did you realize this?”

“While I was at the hair salon,” he replied.

Opportunities to learn, grow and expand our awareness are everywhere. My friend had been talking about his dysfunctional upbringing and how he had come to realize, in the course of getting a haircut, why life had always proven so challenging and heartbreaking for him.

He grew up in a family with an overly critical and emotionally abusive father, a gentle yet long-suffering mother and a resentful, envious older brother. One day my friend had reached his limit and, with little warning, had packe...

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