Skip to main content

Stories That Last: Three Timeless Reads

By Stephen C. Schultz


Most of the time on The Interpreted Rock, I write about mental health concerns and the kinds of situations families face when life gets complicated. But every now and then, I like to share something a little different, personal stories, fun memories, and even a few lessons I’ve learned the hard way (or the fun way). These moments aren’t just filler; they’re reminders that life is more than challenges and diagnoses, it’s also laughter, connection, and the stories we carry with us.


Some of these pieces are just plain fun. Others are tender reflections. A few even come from my kids, who’ve been known to surprise me with their own insights. They’re what’s called evergreen content, stories that never really “expire” because their meaning doesn’t depend on a certain date or trending topic. You can read them today or five years from now, and they’ll still hold value. Evergreen stories are like old friends, you can come back to them any time for comfort, perspective, or a smile.

Here are three of my favorites from the archives:

  1. Perfectly Wicked – A New Take on an Old Fairy Tale
    A lighthearted twist on a familiar story that makes you see the “villains” a little differently.

  2. My Memories of Mother
    A heartfelt look at the life lessons, warmth, and quiet strength of a mother’s influence.

  3. Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People?
    An honest, thoughtful conversation about one of life’s hardest questions—and where hope fits into the answer.






Comments

Areej Salam said…
These three classic works of literature amply demonstrate the ability of narrative to captivate audiences of all ages. Professional thesis editing guarantees academic work is polished and powerful, enabling ideas to be properly understood and remembered long after they are read, just like great literature endures.

Popular posts from this blog

The Young Boy and the Rattlesnake

By Stephen C. Schultz (Editors note: This is a story used in a Wilderness Treatment Program. Many come to this program having struggled with depression, anxiety and substance use.)   Many years ago there was a young Native American who lived in the very land you are residing in. He decided to seek wisdom by journeying to the top of Indian Peak. As he approached the base of the mountain he came across a rattlesnake that slithered beside him. The snake coiled as if to strike and the young boy moved back quickly in fear of being struck by the snake’s deadly venom. At that instant the snake spoke to the boy saying, “Don’t be afraid of me, I mean you no harm. I come to you to ask a favor. I see that you are about to traverse to the top of Indian Peak and was hoping that you may be willing to place me in your satchel so that I don’t have to make the long journey alone.” The young boy surprised by the snake’s request quickly responded by turning down the offer, stating, ...

Video Games, Anxiety and ADHD - Free Family Resources

 By Stephen C. Schultz This guide provides resources for parents navigating the challenges of ADHD, anxiety , and video game management in their teens and young adults. ADHD Resources The following books and websites can help you better understand and manage ADHD: Recommended Books: Russell Barkley : Taking Charge of ADHD Hallowell & Ratey : Delivered from Distraction Harvey Parker : The ADD Hyperactivity Workbook for Parents, Teachers, & Kids Bradley & Giedd : Yes, Your Teen Is Crazy!: Loving Your Kid Without Losing Your Mind Michael Gurian : The Minds of Boys: Saving Our Sons from Falling Behind in School and Life Mohab Hanna : Making the Connection: A Parents’ Guide to Medication in AD/HD Helpful Websites: CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) Help for ADHD American Academy of Pediatrics American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Anxiety Resources: The following websites provide support and information for man...

Beyond Measurement: When Data Meets Real Life

By Stephen C. Schultz In my previous article— Measuring What Matters: Oxbow’s Edge in Treatment Outcomes —I focused on the importance of tracking outcomes. The idea was simple: if we’re not measuring progress, we’re limited in our understanding. But lately, I’ve been thinking about something deeper. Because the reality is, families don’t come to us asking about data. They come to us in the middle of a crisis and family turbulence. A Conversation I Won’t Forget I was speaking with a parent recently who was crying. Her speech was fast and pressured. The questions came rapid-fire, one after another. There was urgency in her voice, but also frustration. At moments, it came across as somewhat confrontational. I listened. I gave her space. After a few minutes, I asked if I could share something about myself. She paused and said, simply, “Sure.” I told her that I’ve been with Oxbow Academy since the beginning. That I’m the father of four grown children. And that my hope was, that we could jus...