Got Plans for Friday Night?

Stardate 06.02.2026

My family has much to celebrate this week.

The last fourteen years here in the Midwest have been centered largely around my wife's side of the family. Every one of them happens to live nearby, which has been a tremendous blessing. Before moving here, the first twenty-three years of our marriage were spent in Southern California, where most of my side of the family gathered for birthdays, holidays, and special occasions.

This week, the pendulum swings in the other direction.

My first cousin, Mark Mulligan, is coming to town.

Mark is a singer, songwriter, and author of The Three Miracles. He likes to joke that he deported himself to Mexico decades ago. Whether he is sharing stories, writing books, or performing music, he has always had a gift for connecting with people. He is one of my favorite people, and I always look forward to seeing him.

For those who enjoy trop rock music, Mark is among the very best I've encountered. His songs carry the spirit of sunshine, friendship, adventure, and gratitude. Every performance feels like a gathering of old friends.

This Friday night, Mark will be in Cedar Rapids entertaining his fans, and our family will have the opportunity to spend time together making new memories.

Life moves quickly. Children grow up. Families spread across the country. Calendars fill with responsibilities. Moments when loved ones come together become more precious with each passing year.

"How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity!" — Psalm 133:1

I suspect many of us have someone we have not seen in a while. A phone call, a visit, or an evening spent together can become a memory that lasts far longer than we imagine.

If you're not from around here, don't worry. You can catch Mark when he visits your city.

If you are nearby and your Friday night is still open, visit Mark's website and reserve a seat. I think you'll enjoy the evening.

Find Mark Mulligan here:

MarkMulligan.net

Captain's Addendum

Bones: "A family reunion with live music? That's a lot healthier than most of the treatments I've prescribed."

Spock: "The statistical probability of creating meaningful memories increases significantly when family members gather in the same location."

Bones: "Sometimes you don't need statistics, Spock. You just need a chair and a good song."

As I've gotten older, I've come to appreciate these reunions more than I once did. The miles between family members seem longer, and the opportunities to gather seem fewer. When they arrive, I try to pay attention. Some evenings become stories. Some stories become treasures.

May you live long and prosper.

Caveman Miracle Network Enters New Chapter

Stardate 06.01.2026

The final numbers from our month-long Children's Miracle Network fundraiser will be tallied soon. While this year's campaign has come to a close, new doors are opening for the next chapter of the Caveman Miracle Network—a collection of friends, family members, coworkers, and anonymous donors who continue to support these efforts throughout the year.

As I reflect on everything that has happened, I'm reminded that many small acts of kindness can come together to create something much larger than any one person could accomplish alone.

My friend and accountability partner, Joni, witnessed that firsthand. When students in her club learned that one of their own had become a patient at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital, they wanted to help.

The fourth and fifth graders at Kirkwood Elementary organized a bake sale and raised $500. They then partnered with Kiwanis, which matched their contribution and helped fund the first bulk order of coloring books at a donor rate. The students also handcrafted 50 custom bracelets to accompany the 50 coloring books. Our sales auditor, Derek, donated crayons for every book delivered.

Through the efforts of Joni and the school's concierge program, those books, bracelets, and crayons made their way into the hands of young patients at the hospital.

A special group of prayer warriors representing several denominations will also be receiving additional copies of the coloring book throughout the year. As they minister to patients and families facing difficult circumstances, these books will become another way to offer encouragement and hope.

Fifty additional coloring books were donated to my day job, where my teammates will have an opportunity to purchase them through our employee silent auction.

Near the end of our fundraiser, I met Constance, the Director of Operations for Ronald McDonald House. I gave her a copy of Where in the World Is Wilson? to share with her team. Thanks to the generosity of so many people who have supported these projects over the years, I now have enough funds set aside to provide copies for the 33 families currently staying there while their children receive treatment.

My goal is simple. I want to place copies of The Adventures of Castaway Wilson in locations where children and families spend long hours waiting for appointments, treatments, and test results. Waiting rooms can be difficult places. A story, a smile, or a moment of distraction can make the day feel a little lighter.

This journey has not been without challenges.

Many of my family members and friends know how difficult it has been to bring these books into the world. The greatest obstacle was navigating the loss of loved ones. There were seasons when I felt frozen in place. Progress came slowly.

Your prayers, encouragement, and well wishes helped carry me through those days. I also sought professional help, which has been an important part of my healing journey.

There is still work to do, and healing continues one day at a time. Yet I find comfort in believing that those who have gone before us continue to influence our lives in ways we may never fully understand. Their love remains. Their lessons remain. Their impact remains.

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." — Psalm 34:18

There is also some exciting news on the horizon.

I will continue donating all proceeds from my books to support children receiving care at our local hospital. At the same time, the next project is being developed with the benefit of my hometown community of Williamsburg in mind.

Stay tuned. An announcement from local leaders will be coming soon.

Join me here:

https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

Thank you for supporting these remarkable children and their families.

I am deeply grateful for every prayer, every purchase, every encouraging word, and every person who has walked alongside me on this journey.

May you live long and prosper.

🖖

Captain's Addendum

Bones: "You know, Spock, I keep hearing about all these coloring books, bracelets, and donations. The Captain seems determined to stay busy."

Spock: "An understandable course of action, Doctor. Acts of service frequently create connections between people."

Bones: "You Vulcans always find a logical way to describe caring about folks."

Spock: "I believe humans would call it helping."

As I look back on this fundraiser, I see far more than dollars raised or books delivered. I see people showing up for one another. Children helping children. Friends helping friends. Families helping strangers they may never meet.

Those moments remind me that none of us travels alone. Sometimes the smallest gesture becomes part of a much larger story.