My thought for the evening.... Times sure have changed. The world has changed, and as I sit here and reflect, my positive energies just overcome those dark, sad times I have suffered ( as we all have at one time or another) and I think how lucky I am to have had such a good, full life. I have had the opportunity and privilege of being born to a family full of love and compassion. I have had grandparents who have etched into my psyche, the ways of old Kentucky and Ohio…and real “Americana.” I hunted when I was 10 and big enough to tote a shotgun, watched over closely by my Uncle Darrell and Grandpa Fultz. I was lucky and blessed to have been born in the State of Texas where I grew up with its traditions, its rugged lifestyles, and its love for sports, which by some magical sort of osmosis…sank deep into my young soul and carries with me to this very day. It was more “Americana” of sorts, west Texas style. I have been around aviation, the aerospace industry and military/ civil service my entire youth, as dad was involved heavily in all of them. I received an education on rockets, missiles and defense contractors living in El Paso Texas, and my dad working at the somewhat secretive and clandestine White Sands Missile Range. I have made friends from elementary school, high school and their respective sports and of whom I still communicate to this day…thanks to FB. I have lived a happy life, and now I realize how lucky I am to be able to sit here and reflect…in decent health, and I am still alive and kicking. Some of us have not been so fortunate. I have been in the U.S. military, made hundreds of parachute jumps, and experienced high adventure that only most will ever dream about. I played music as a kid, the 120 bass accordion, the guitar, the drums, and still to this day, the “music” is in me. I play live rock bass guitar..sing rock..and thrive on that energy….and yes, at my age…not too many can..or will dare. I walked on the University of North Alabama football team after being told my whole life I was too small…too slow to play college football, and yet, made the squad, even though I did feel like the west Texas via north Alabama version of “Rudy.” I am indeed a lucky man. I have two boys that will carry my name on…and whom our Lord God has watched over diligently since they were born. I am so fortunate and thankful for His tender mercies. I possess a police background that took me another direction in years past…and with all its regrets, I am blue…through and through. I will always be a Policeman until they lay me to rest. It is a life experience that will never be forgotten. I have seen death, even horrible things that most of you only read about or watch on youtube. I have seen beginning life…as well as sadness and ending life. I have sat in a college classroom and soaked up great knowledge from some of the best Professors God could have lain in my path and the wisdom of the ages; great teachers and life Coaches who had a profound effect upon my life. That is the greatest thing I can relate to you about this life. The depth of which has been derived from all these experiences I have spoken about in the above writings and so much more I have not spoken or written about. My friends, I have no regrets, though they certainly lurk in those dark corners of my mind. The cool thing about those recessed dark corners is that it only takes a small amount of light, and those lurking shadows flee. I praise God tonight that I have these memories and this experience which has formulated me into what I may be, whether viewed by some good or bad. I have had a full life, and we should all reflect upon the good things from time to time, forgetting the bad we see every day; that our hearts may always be full.
Posted on: Mon, 17 Nov 2014 01:43:46 +0000