Help Mom with the Dishes

Book excerpt: In the heart of Northwest Indiana's Calumet Region sits Whiting, Indiana. Born and raised in this "industrial Mayberry," author Albert R. Koch relives his experiences in this small town and beyond through this refreshing collection of essays. "Help Mom with the Dishes" is a journey through Koch's life, featuring people, places, and extraordinary moments experienced by a not-so-ordinary guy. These episodes convey the wonder of youth, the potency of humor, the power of learning, and the poignancy of emotions. For Koch, what happens in the past provides direction for the future. One can decide to either live life looking in the rearview mirror or focus on what lies ahead. One can use life experiences to strengthen and grow, or be satisfied with a mediocre life. Early on, Koch's choice is to "Help Mom with the dishes." Viewed through the parade of seasons, these distinctive, exceptional moments during Koch's continual quest for understanding and meaning are recalled with thoughtful, reflective insight-from classroom to factory, factory to campus, campus to classroom. Over that time, he's learned an important lesson: The triumph over sadness is not easy. It requires an unflinching belief in the goodness of people, a positive sense of humor, and perhaps, too, a little faith and reverence for things we cannot see.