4/25/2006 - Last week my 2-year old nephew died in a swimming pool tragedy. Words can't quite grasp the sense of helplessness that comes at such a time and the words still fail me now. My youngest child is four and I can't even fathom what it would be like should something happen to him, nor do I want to. The same is true of all my children.

We read about these sorts of horrors in the papers, online, we hear them on the news at night. It's entirely different when it befalls on your own family. Billy was the son of my wife's sister and the only time I'd ever met him was over a web cam, yet it's still hitting me hard. All last week I heard the wonderful stories about what a bundle of life he was, how his smile lit up the room, and how his big saucer eyes were always filled with joy and wonder. I wish I had known him better.

What I did witness was an outpouring of love I had longed to see from a community. The family was new to the area, only having resided there two months, yet the entire neighborhood came together for my sister-in-law and her husband. They held meetings to figure out what specifically each person was going to do to help. An abundance of food was prepared and brought in everyday. Things that needed to be done were taken care of. That neighborhood took on a great burden so the family could concentrate on what was important. It was an overwhelming and much appreciated act of giving that I hope will be duplicated in other communities.

We're home now and our life is picking up where we left off. Our thoughts and prayers, however, will remain with Sandy and Bill.

4/12/2006 - DeBarlo's Blog
Ever wonder what Chase Michael DeBarlo does on a day-to-day basis? What's going through his mind? What are others in his Massachusetts hometown such as Rock Rickman and Len Stevens up to? Welcome to Chase Michael DeBarlo's blog! Titled "DeBarlo's Case Log," this web journal will be completely written from the first-person perspective of the fictional private investigator. Other than a link back to this site, this blog will have a complete feel as if Chase is chronicalling his daily life. It will not be as polished as the novels or the mysteries published in the newsletters. If DeBarlo has a rant, he will rant. If he's excited about something he may toss in a couple "whoo-hoo's." The overtone will certainly be more casual. I'm excited to begin this project as I work through the final phases of the second Chase Michael DeBarlo mystery novel. Enjoy!

DeBarlo's Case Log

4/9/2006 - Have a 7th grader interested in mystery? The Howard County (MD) Library has partnered with Watson't Tin Box of Ellicott City to hold the second annual Sherlock Holmes Essay Contest for 7th grade students.

Students are to read The Adventure of the Speckled Band and write a five paragraph essay about the Holmes short story. Winners will be announced at an awards presentation at the Howard County Library in June. For more information please see the Howard County Library web site for more details.

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