A Valuable Lesson

Christian R. Smith passed away on February 12, 2026 "after a courageous battle with cancer," read his Los Angeles Times obit (3/29/26). He was 78-years-of-age.

He was married to the love of his life, Pebbles Wadsworth. And Christian devoted his life to meaningful university endeavors, benefitting the schools and the many students he served.

However, that's not the reason I'm sharing a glimpse of his life with you. What truly matters is what he did that was extraordinary - something that offers valuable lessons for us.

The Zombie Prom

My 18-year-old granddaughter Carina is a high school senior, and devoted to performing on stage, as an actress, singer, dancer, and even a musician.

She just starred in the "Zombie Prom," a takeoff on "Grease," featuring a story line of songs and dances from the 1950's, and she was joined by a wonderful cast of young people. We loved seeing and listening to her, and I cheered for and enjoyed the performances of everyone. 

Carina also just performed in her high school 2026 Pop Festival, with a marvelous orchestra and chorus, singing solo, a song from Les Misérables.

In all cases, I salute every dedicated teacher who has made this possible for each student.

Carina has starred in or had featured roles in various plays throughout high school and middle school and will shortly graduate and enroll in the performing arts at a major university, most likely in New York. Her talent is at a level where she has been offered partial scholarships, from schools recruiting her.

Ultimately, her desire is the Broadway stage. 

Saying Goodbye

Each school day morning I greet the children and their parents on their way to school, and I greet many a commuter. 

Yesterday, a middle age woman drove up to me, and in a solemn voice, told me that my warm greeting and big smile was something her husband always looked forward to. It lifted his spirits

I thanked her, and asked about him.

I Love You

This morning (8/5/25), I did what I should do much more often. I told some of those closest to me that I love them, specifically Jon Barnes, Yanin Ontiveros and Mary Ellen Schesser.

Montana Visit, August 2 to August 4, 2025

As we do each year, Anne and I flew to Montana, to greet our son Kevin and his wife Melody, and their two sons, Brody who turned 20 and Gannon, 17.

But this time we also met Brody's live-in lady friend Hannah, who is pregnant with their baby Norman, due in October.

As always, we stayed at The Lodge at Whitefish Lake. We were greeted by Kevin and Melody at the airport, who after we checked in at The Lodge, drove us to their beautiful Eureka home, far up in the mountains.

Hawaiian Family Vacation, June 24 - June 29, 2025

This vacation of a lifetime, was largely paid for (airlines, hotel, food and transportation) by our eldest son Kyle and his wife Diane. Their two sons joined us. 

And our other two sons, their wives and children, also joined us, a total of 14 people.

The purpose was to celebrate Anne's and my 60th wedding anniversary (June 26, 1965) and to spend time together as a family.

At Age 80, Looking Back

What I am most proud of is my 60-year-marriage to Anne, and the blessings of our sons Kyle, Kevin and Clayton, blessings not just to us, but to the world.

Of my success in business, real estate, radio and writing, none have been mine but that of very talented people who actively participated with me. Today, in our inspiring writings Jon Barnes and Yanin Ontiveros are great examples.

Of my public work, I am proud of my activism on behalf of the Vietnamese Boat People. But I am most proud of my 303 peace demonstrations over six years, attempting to stop the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars. Thank you to Korean War veteran John Fortier for joining me in many of them.

I am a strong believer in miracles because I have witnessed them, and in angels because I have met them. Thank you to my dear friend Mary Ellen Schesser for her devoted support.