Sean Dietrich Articles

Sean of the South | Dec. 12, 2024

Santa OPINION — I almost didn’t write this because I swore I’d never tell anyone what I’m about to tell you. But I have to.A few weeks ago I received a letter postmarked from Nunavut, Canada. An invitation said that I had been selected along with a few other writers...

Sean of the South | Dec. 5, 2024

This I know OPINION —This story was told to me by a friend. A retired nurse.The nurse was passing by room 202 in the pediatric oncology wing. It was late. The hospital was decorated for Chrimstmas. Tinsel on the walls. Construction-paper chain-link garland everywhere....

Sean of the South | Nov. 21, 2024

First Dates OPINION — One of the first official dates with my wife took place at her parents’ house. That night, her extremely nosy parents promised not to eavesdrop, nor bother us, nor hide behind the sofa and wait for us to kiss.Her parents agreed to let us have the...

Sean of the South | Nov. 14, 2024

American Way OPINION — I was a kid. My father and I walked into the filling station. The bell above the door dinged.Daddy was filthy from working under a car. He was always working under cars. He came from a generation of men who were born with Sears, Roebuck &...
Sean of the South

Sean of the South

A Memorial Day in the park OPINION — Sunset. There must be a million people gathered in Railroad Park tonight. Downtown Birmingham is crazy. There...

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Sean of the South

Sean of the South

Dumplings OPINION — I’m 5 years old. On Mama’s stove is a steaming stock pot, filling the world with the essence of chicken and dumplings.I’m...

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Sean of the South

Sean of the South | May 9, 2024

A mother's love OPINION — “I am a little old woman who lives in an assisted living facility…” her email began.Her following message was about the...

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Sean of the South

A walk in the dog park

OPINION — My truck cab was filled with three barking dogs and one idiot. The dogs were in the backseat. The idiot was behind the wheel.“Sit down!”...

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Sean of the South

Columnists’ Day

BY SEAN DIETRICH I didn’t believe him. I thought he was pulling my leg or similar appendage. I was at the airport bar. He told me April 18 was...

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Sean of the South

About today

Hi. You don’t know me. I don’t know you. We’re strangers. But we’re the same, sort of. Only chances are, you drive a nicer car than I do. In fact I...

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Sean of the South

Easter

BY SEAN DIETRICH A few years ago I attended my first Catholic mass in a busy church outside Birmingham. It was Easter Sunday. I sat in the nosebleed...

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Sean of the South

Dollar General

BY SEAN DIETRICH OPINION — The following actually happened. In a major American city. A guy emailed me about it.A young woman is in Dollar General....

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Sean of the South

Pound Cake Day

BY SEAN DIETRICH OPINION — You might not know this, but a few days ago was a national holiday. A day when our nation traditionally puts aside our...

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