Family Tales

About the Book

This book began as a compilation of day-to-day events that occurred in the lives of my wife, Nancy, and myself, as we raised our two sons, Jer and Mac. I recorded some of these anecdotes because of perceived humor or wit, and some because I was prideful or saw them as significant stages in the boys’ growth. Many times I found wisdom in our sons’ innocent words and actions. Most of all, I recorded these stories because, as a parent, I simply cherished them too much to risk forgetting them. As I continued to write, I realized there were other people in my life whose stories I wished to preserve. These included my parents and various relatives, teachers and patients, even pets, as well as others that I have encountered during activities that I found amusing or meaningful. Some of these tales are of a serious nature. Some are pure goofiness. Certain themes recur, such as music, sports, and cultural heritage, all of which have been important to us as a family. There are a few attempts at more creative writing. With these I have tried to express an emotion, impart a lesson, or simply remember persons or things that were special to me. I have taken great pleasure in writing these vignettes and experiencing them again and again as I reread them. For those readers who are part of these stories, and for those who are not but who may still relate, I wish you similar enjoyment.

About the Author

Dr. Isseks was born and grew up in Middletown, NY. He graduated from Cornell University in 1968 and Tufts University School of Medicine in 1972. He has been practicing ophthalmology in Liberty, NY since 1977. He now lives in Rock Hill, NY with his wife, Nancy, who is an adjunct professor at the State University of New York, New Paltz. Their older son, Jerald, graduated from Vassar College. He is presently an adjunct professor in the English department at a community college in the Denver area. Their younger son, Marshall (Mac), recently graduated from Emory University where he majored in philosophy.