CJ Woods III’s Story Archive

I’ll Drive

July 14, 2016 | by CJ Woods III

I was watching TV with my eldest daughter, Lisa, when she commented on the program: “I don’t think that will work for me.” The news item was about self-driving cars and the technology that enables them. She told me a frightening story of vigilance and caution that made me think … Read More

Turtle Diary

July 7, 2016 | by CJ Woods III

“Dad, stop! Be careful! We have to get him!” My 8 year-old son’s high, thin voice from the back seat of my SUV urged caution as I drove. His sister was silent beside him but I could see his anxious face framed in my rear-view mirror. Chris was leaning forward … Read More

Spelling Bee

June 23, 2016 | by CJ Woods III

My son-in-love called me, chortling and snorting; “You didn’t tell me about ‘beacon!’ You didn’t tell me about ‘beacon!’” My daughter was cackling in the background: “Tell him, Dad!” My 7-year-old granddaughter had brought home her spelling words, one of which was her favorite food: bacon. This simple test cracked … Read More

Silver Alert

June 16, 2016 | by CJ Woods III

I recently visited with my eldest daughter, Lisa, and her two gifts to me, my grandson and granddaughter, and we had adventures of joy and discovery in New Jersey and Delaware, but not before Lisa “old-shamed” me in Target. Lisa will often call me and announce, “Old People Check-in! Where … Read More

Black Men Can’t Hoop

June 9, 2016 | by CJ Woods III

“So, Dad: when will my black genes kick in concerning basketball?” My son, (whose mother is not black) was about 20 years old when he asked that question. He is a musician, a drummer who liked to  drum on all surfaces; the question filtered its way through the sound of … Read More