It starts here

It has been an interesting 2020 so far. It seems that passions are running high. There seems to be quite a few political issues lately.

In the cockpit there are a few unwritten rules. You should never pass gas in the cockpit. Just don’t do it. It is considered rude and offensive. While it may seem funny, beware of retaliation. Enough said there. Also, there are certain topics of conversation that should never be approached. Religion, politics and one other that I can’t think of right now. In todays climate, it is difficult to not talk about politics. So even though we shouldn’t talk about it, I think that we need to. So here goes.

First, it seems that we do a lot of talking. A lot of talking and not much listening. In fact, I don’t think that people listen much anymore. People seem to just wait for their turn to talk. And people talk like there opinion and “facts” are the only ones that matters. We really need to understand a few facts that I would hope that we can all agree on. And those facts are that we really don’t know what the facts or truths are, really. I would hope that we could agree on the news sources are all biased. Who do you believe? Who should you believe? I don’t know. I think you can only believe your own truths. That is, those truths or facts that you have witnessed and actually been a part of or participated in. I do quite a bit of traveling and feel I have seen some truths or facts. I have to tell you, I get surprised or enlightened every day. Case in point, I was in California the other day. I was in a Lyft going to a hotel. I remarked to the driver that it was discouraging to see so many homeless along the road. The driver stated that I didn’t know what I was talking about. I was shocked. He went on to explain the homeless situation and how I shouldn’t think the way I did. I won’t get into the discussion here, but I did learn a thing or two. Do I believe it, I don’t know. So what is the point here……………it is just that, we all have our truths. It is just a matter of maybe there are more than two sides to a coin. And the “fact” is that there is an element of truth to it all. For the record, I still feel bad about the homeless……..if that is what they are.

The next point with regards to the climate of politics is that we are going to extremes and absolutes. For instance, I love seafood. Nobody in my immediate family feels like I do with regards to seafood. Does this mean that this is a deal breaker with regards to respecting them or eating with them or living with them or associating with them? Where as I may want to change their mind, they may have a perfectly good reason for not liking seafood. But we cannot let this interfere with at a minimum being civil with them. Let’s go a step further………..I am a Christian and a fellow pilot is an atheist. Does this mean that I am relieved from giving him the respect of at minimum a fellow professional or human being? Where do we draw the line? If my fellow crew member is yellow, white, black, brown or blue, does skin color absolve me from treating him with any amount of respect or consideration as a fellow occupant of this planet? The answer is ……..of course not. Now if I differ with you on politics and don’t vote that same way that you do………what does that make me? Why does there have to be a line in the sand that we can’t cross over? At the end of the day, we are all here together. Why can’t we understand that we all have fundamental rights and whereas you might not like the president as a person, and you might not like the president for his policies. I respect that, that is your fundamental right. But just because I don’t agree with you, I am the bad guy? So just because I like seafood and you don’t I should despise you?

I contend that many people are turning into what they despise.

I was going to tell you a story of hate. A personal story. I deleted it and won’t go there. Suffice it to say, that hate consumes…………..it consumes our soul I would say. How do you overcome hate…………..I don’t know. Music maybe. John Lennon probably said it best……..All you need is love. Easier said than done, but it does start with listening, not just waiting for your turn to talk. It also starts with being open minded and at a minimum not drawing a line in the sand. In the end, I believe there is a God. If you don’t, I respect that you believe what you believe. Does this mean that we can’t be friends? Common sense, logic and reasoning would say we can still be friends. If you want to hate me for being on one political side as opposed to the other, I can’t stop you. I can’t make you listen and I won’t try to change your mind……….why? You have as much say in the matter as anyone else……………..and I respect that. I respect the passion and I respect the person. I won’t however fight over this. At this point, we either need to agree to disagree and move on.

If that “line in the sand” still remains, it is because you put it there.

I will be here when you need or when you want. That is the right thing to do. As a human being, a husband, a father and a papa…………..

Light

You have to fight fire with fire. How many times have we heard that phrase or cliche’? Quite a few times I would imagine. I know that I have heard it many times and I have to tell you……….I hate it. Hate is too strong of a word, but lets just say I dislike it with a great amount of passion. More on the use of the word hate at a different time.

Let’s analyze this just a bit, what is fire referring to? About the only thing that fire should refer to is fire. Period.

I have been in many situations that I certainly wish that I handled much differently. It is difficult when confronted to not go right on the defensive. It really takes practice to think about the situation and react accordingly.

I can remember once when I was out on patrol as a police officer in southern Missouri. A liquor store had just been robbed by a man with a sawed off shotgun. There was some thoughts that he was hunkered down out in the woods. Of course it was the dark of night and there was now a bunch of officers guns drawn and walking the woods. I have to tell you, this was certainly a tipping point for me. I can remember physically shaking. And to be honest, I really couldn’t imagine taking the life of another person. I know what he did was wrong. I know that he probably had a gun pointing at me and I didn’t even see him. But, unless he was pointing that gun at a loved one, I don’t think I could have shot him. I would rather act like a human shield and let the shotgun pellets hit me rather than fire a gun and shoot him. I could fire a gun and maybe hit him. I did get the high shooter award in my law enforcement class, but there are several thoughts on that also. Once that bullet leaves the gun, you have no control of where it goes. Was the aim good enough? You can’t put that bullet back in the chamber. You can’t put the genie back in the bottle. If you give good thought to this, it would seem very very frightening.. It did to me.

So where does this all go. Where am I going with this. The title of this dissertation is Light. What about the light. Well, what I am asking you is this question. How can you fight the dark? What is the dark? I say it is the absence of light. You cannot fight darkness with more darkness. You cannot fight fire with fire, you have to be the light. You have to be able to practice that art of not being offended by the offensive. How can someone be rude to you when you are kind? How can someone treat you badly and you not be hurt? It takes practice. Take time to think about the situation. Take a breath. Look at the sky. Look at your shoes. Close your eyes and relax. Think of something nice. I don’t care what you do, but take a moment and pause. Be the light. In the darkness that someone or something is giving you, be the light. Be the light that shines.

I feel that I haven’t emphasized this enough. My point is this. No one can hurt you if you don’t allow them to hurt you. No one can put out your light if you don’t let them. I believe all people are good. Some are better than others, but all are good. Some have a light that shines bright, some have a dim light at best. In this day and age, we have all been stuck at home and sheltered in place. We have had our freedoms stripped from us. We have had many things taken from us. I defy anyone to take away my light. My right to do what is “right”, by being the light. I think there could be a song lyric in there somewhere.

Go out and be the light today. On a whim, just do something nice for someone today. Let your light shine just a little bit brighter. You will probably get some goofy looks, find enjoyment in that new light………………….

The Reveal

It was in this dark abyss that I really got in touch with myself.  It seems I finally had time for that contemplation that one only gets while driving in a car for a long period of time.  It is a fantastic thing for your mind to wander.  What are we going to think about now?  What problems can I solve by simply letting my mind meander and mull over and over the simplest of details.  This was fun.  I want to think about................. jelly beans.  Jelly beans are good.  Jelly beans are sweet.  I once watched a documentary on jelly beans.  They are all the same until almost the last step when the flavor is added.  Next subject is cats.  Where do cats get off being so moody. 

"Cats are moody?"  Katey just stood there in the doorway and had this quizzicle look on her face.  She muttered to herself again "Cats are moody?" 

Don lay motionless in the hospital bed.  He knew Katey was there.  How did she know?  Cats are moody.

Katey thought to herself again, "Why are cats moody"  She quickly sat down and pondered the whole thought.

The thought was fleeting.  Just as quick as it came it went away.  It was 11:00 pm and this was her time to be with her dad. 

The hospital room was very sterile.  It smelled of bleach and some sort of pine smell.  It was really the epitome of sterile.  Katey hated the whole scenerio.  Why did her dad have to be in the hospital anyway.  She could be his caretaker.  Katey could do everything that needed to be done.  It was just very irritating.  Knowing that her dad lay there and that nothing could be done. 

Katey started to break down.  It was getting to be more than she could handle.  It was frustrating and heartbreaking.  All this and no answers.  No reason that the doctors could come up with that her dad lay there motionless and in a coma.  No reason. 

Katey got up from her seat.  She walked over to the door and turned off the light.  It was after eleven and the lights would be out for a normal person. 

She took her normal seat and closed her eyes.

"Thank you"

Katey opened her eyes and thought to herself.  "You're Welcome" 

What just happened?  Katey sat up now and looked intently at her dad.  Daddy?

"You never called me Daddy"

Katey put her head in her hands and cried.  It was a cry of disbelief and a cry that you would only cry when you haven't seen someone for a very long time.  Or heard from someone.

So many questions.  Is this for real? Who am I talking to? Dad, is that you?  What is going on?

So begins...................The Shadow talk.

Heart

A vital organ, the heart.  Pumps quite a bit of blood around our body and without it we would flat out die.  We don't have two of them like the kidney.  It cannot regenerate like the liver.  It requires no thought to keep it pumping.  Quite an extraordinary organ.  All that being said, I really don't care about the organ.  I am talking about passion.  Fire in your soul.  That thing that makes you who you are to your core.  I am not talking about the heart in so much as I am talking about the heart a person exhibits.

I have a great amount of respect for a person that is driven to succeed.  I have to admit I am a bit shallow tho.  I see some people that I have known that pursue some crazy stuff.  It wasn't necessarily for money.  It wasn't for fame or for anything that I could put my finger on.  Why then do we pursue or take on certain "adventures"?

Truth of the matter, it doesn't matter. 

I am a reminded of that song "To Dream The Impossible Dream".  The lyrics speak to this thought.   You know..........to be willing to march into hell for a heavenly cause.  To right the unrightable wrong, to fight the unbeatable foe and to run where the brave dare not go.  To try when your arms are to weary and to fight for the right without question or pause.

Heart, it is what separates us from those who have no heart, no drive, no passion.  I have not always understood you Aaron, Ben or Krishaun.  I don't know what drives you to do what you do, but I am glad that you have heart.  I am proud that your hearts are pure, good and just. 

Story time.....................

I was somewhere in the state of New York and I was on a weekend layover with my crew.  We had just finished dinner at some restaurant and when we walked out there was a homeless man on the street begging for change.  Panhandling is big business in some parts, but this guy seemed to be in need.  We were walking by and I gave him a couple of dollars.  I really didn't think much of it, but it "felt" like the right thing to do.  My crew chastised me for doing this.  They said he was going right to the liquor store and I just helped him with his addiction.  I have to say that after much thought I think they might have been right.  In retrospect tho I think that too many times we overthink things.  We can think things until we reach whatever outcome we want. 

I don't want to grow up, I want to remain a kid.  I want to listen to what my heart tells me and not what I think.  Tough to do. 

I meditated this morning.  I was good to be still and listen.  I found that I am surrounded by so many good loving hearts.  Yup Mom, yours is special.  Insert smiley face here......................

Keep fighting the good fight my children.

Remain true to your heart................

Definition

I was riding with my wife in the car yesterday.  We were going by the Phoenix airport.  I look up and see a jet taking off and speeding across the sky.  I kind of mumbled to myself and her that I used to fly jets and that.........."I used to be somebody".

She said that what we do does not define who we are. 

OK, what does define what we are?  Do our choices define who we are? 

I try to make good choices, does that mean I am a good person?  Is that what people see?  How can anyone see what choices a person has made? 

I don't think I know exactly what or who makes a good person, but I do know (at least I think I know) what a bad person resembles.

I have always applied this type of thinking via Mark Twain.  There was a story of a young Mark Twain interviewing for a position as captain on a river boat.  The old codger that was interviewing him looked at Mark Twain as something other than captain material.  He asked him if he knew how to handle a big boat on the river.  He said yes.  He asked if he could handle a crew.  He said yes.  He asked him if he could handle being away for long periods of time.  He said yes.  He asked him if he knew of every sandbar and every water hazard on the river.  Mark Twain said no.................But I do know where they are not!  I take this as meaning that I don't always know the right answer, but I do know what is wrong.

Case in point, if what we do does not define us, then what does?  Why do we need definition? 

I guess I should stop there.  Why would one even ponder what defines us?  When I die, I want my gravestone to say..........................

I don't know.  Is it too late to be defined as ..................  I don't want to be just a good man. 

I have to swallow real hard on this one.  I can remember telling my kids, "don't be merely good, be good for something".  I sometimes have a hard time taking my own advice. 

Just to be clear, I write this blog for two reasons.  The first is to recount some stories so my children will understand who and what their father is.  The second reason will be revealed later.  But for now, my children,  just know that I am proud of each of you.  All three can be defined as something that can only be described as good, right and something special.

As for me, I am going to pour a cup of coffee and try to be the person my puppy dog thinks I am. 

surprise

I am trying to think of a time when I was flying that I received the biggest surprise.  There are really too many to remember.  In flying you can always count on a surprise, but there is supposed to be a checklist to handle everything.  I had a few times when there was no checklist, but I always tried to turn the problem into something that there was a checklist.

I can remember one time I was flying race horses and we were landing in Shreveport, I believe.  I had just become a full fledged "captain".  Except with a new captain, there are higher minimums.  Meaning that I had to have better weather more so than a "seasoned" or more experienced captain.  Well, as the story goes, we were landing in Shreveport when the weather turned sour.  It was fine for a captain who was not on higher minimums, but not me.  The company called me in the air and stated that I was 45 minutes from being able to go to lower minimums.  What they then asked was how much fuel I had on board and could I hold for 45 minutes and then make the approach into Shreveport.  So what changed in that 45 minutes that made me able to now land at an airport that the we weren't able to land at before?  Good question, but we ultimately went in and landed.  I don't remember it being any different than any other approach I made, but there was something that changed.  I was now an "experienced" captain.  One funny thing that happened on this flight that I can remember was that while we were in a holding pattern, one of the cowboys in the back knocked on the cockpit door and came in and asked if anyone wanted some beef jerky.  We kindly said no thank you and he left.  All this time tho, we were flying in some really nasty weather.  As I remember, this was one of the few times that I actually saw St. Elmo's fire in the day time.  Now, the real funny part.  After the cowboy left, my co-pilot who was more than likely more seasoned than myself said " What the hell are you doing, get back in your seat.  We're fixin' to die".  He was joking, of course, and he said it in his best southern accent.  This also surprised me.  He put me at ease.  I am sure he could see that I was a bit on edge.  I had only shot an approach in real nasty weather in the simulator.

Fast forward to the other day. 

I called my brother in the morning and needed some advice.  He answered with his granddaughter right by the phone and you could tell they were enjoying each other.  Emery said "Hello Uncle Mike" in the cutest voice you could imagine.  I almost hung up at that point.  I had my answer. 

Things happen for a reason.  I quit trying to understand these things.  Actually, that is a lie.   I sometimes feel that these are life lessons that God is teaching us.

Oh, by the way, I just found out that I am going to be a Granddad.

SURPRISE!

Discretion

Discretion is the better part of valor.  I am still trying to comprehend the meaning of this phrase.  There are times when I think I have it, then I open my mouth and out spews instant regret.

I was flying with this man, I want to think he was younger than myself.  I knew he had baggage, and by baggage I mean he had many issues that he brought with him.  In any case, we were flying and we were coming into an land and the flight engineer nudges me.  He points to the co-pilots instruments and they were going crazy.  You see what had happened was that the co-pilot had set up his approach all wrong.  This was a black and white issue and I explained it to him that he needed to perform this function at this time and so forth.  He said that he just wanted to do it this way because he wanted to do it this way.  I explained the procedure that needed to be performed and asked that he perform the procedure in the proper manner.  I further explained that the way he had it set up could give him erroneous information and he could really mess up by doing what he was doing.  As it turns out, he was a stubborn man who persisted on doing it the wrong way due to many reasons.  One of the reasons he performed the procedure in the wrong way was to prove some sort of point to me. 

After two times of doing this I had my fill.  We landed and finished all checklists.  I stopped everyone in there seats and started to express my thoughts.  I told him, "listen, I don't know what the problem is, but what I need from you is this."  I now set down the rules.  "There is only room for three of us in the cockpit.  Either you leave the monkey on your back and the chip on your shoulder outside or you have to stay out." 

Well, that little speech landed me in the Chief Pilots office.  I was told that I needed to practice my social skills.  I was in the right, meaning the co-pilot was performing the procedure wrong, but I needed to use my social skills to change the situation.  I needed to use discretion I was told.

I find this to be quite the battle lately.  Should I say anything or just be quiet.  If anyone has the answer to this, please let me know. 

Discretion is the better part of valor.  Valor being defined as showing great courage in the face of danger.  I guess if a man can't swim, he should really watch how much he rocks the boat.  Here I go again with the cliche's.  The funny part is that I read something today that stated a writer should avoid cliche's like the plague. 

I write this one for my son Aaron.  We got into a few "discussions" growing up.  I always thought he showed great discretion.  He has taught me much. 

Until next time, be sure and keep good company.  I know I do, you know,  that monkey on my back and a chip on each shoulder.  ;)

Decisions

Funny thing just happened.  I had a complete "blog" done.  I just deleted it all.  It was way too negative.  I was lamenting on the state of the world today.  Riots, protests and terrorism in the news.  Its a crazy world we live in folks.  I was also going off on the next generation and how we were in big trouble.  How we are in big trouble.  The next generation is ________.  (add your own word or words here)

Ok, as you can see, I am still a bit negative.

This blog tho is titled decisions.  Why is that you may ask?  It is titled decisions because I feel we are not teaching our sons and daughters how to make decisions.  We are giving them a hammer and telling them nothing about what a hammer is used for. 

Please Mike, explain what it is your are trying to say.........

Enter the classroom of Mike Orlowski and Decision Making 101.

Mike's Decision making is based upon two methods.  The first of which is thought processed.  Thought process utilizing common sense, reason and logic.

Take any decision.  You want to buy a car for example.  Lets utilize common sense.  Common sense would dictate that you need a car to go to work.  Common sense says you need a car to take care of your family.  Common sense will lead us to reason.  The reason I need a car is because my old car is costing me money.  The reason is that my old car is unreliable.  Reason will lead us to logic.  Logic states that the cost of owning my current car far exceeds what a new or used one would cost. 

You need to write these down on paper, kind of like a pro and con thing, but please utilize the common sense, reason and logic words as they will complete several different thought processes on their own. 

As a side note, the lack of or absence of any of these, common sense, reason and logic are my definition of hell.  More on this later in another blog.

The second decision making method is based upon feeling.  This one is somewhat easier.  First, make believe that you have already made your decision.  Does this put a smile on your face?  If it does the decision is good.  If it doesn't, it is bad.  Anytime, and I mean anytime, you have to justify your decision, even a little bit, it is bad.  You can however, use this method to alter your decision to allow for a good feeling.  An example would be that new car.  You can feel the pressure and stress of that car payment.  Well, how about a used car, one that is nice and reliable and with the smaller loan payment and will cost you much less on car insurance.  Ah, there is that smile.  Get it.  I hope so.  Lets not just "teach our kids" to make good decisions.  Lets "teach" our kids how to make a good decision.  Did you get the subtle difference? 

I had to make so many decisions growing up.  I can remember my neighbor lady asking me when I was much younger what I wanted to be when I grew up.  I can remember saying "I want to be a pilot"  She looked at me and said "You have to make a choice Mike, you can't be both".

I don't know what she meant by that.  Just kidding, I am trying to lighten the mood here.  I am still a bit negative.  I think I am turning into one of those old men that I used to say............oh crap.  Who's kidding who, I am one of those old men.

Respect

I had just made my upgrade to Captain at the airline where I was working.  I forget where I was, what I was doing and who I was working with.  But what happened really affected me the rest of my life.  I was engulfed in paperwork and doing my new "Captain" stuff.  We were finished and there was a tradition that I wasn't quite prepared to handle. 

When pushing back and all is well, the Captain and ground crew give a salute to each other.  On this occasion it went down just a bit differently.  You see, this was my first trip as Captain.  The entire ground crew lined up on the tarmac and every one of them saluted me.  I saluted back. 

Words cannot describe the feelings that came over me.  The respect that given was quite life changing.  I take my job as Captain, pilot in command very seriously.  Very seriously.  Mind you, I have made many mistakes, but I did my best to assure that my crew and myself always were able to come home, safely. 

I don't know why, but I am compelled to tell another story that really piggy back's this story.  It happened just today.  I was at work and this kid, I say kid, but he is in his twenties.  Anyway, this kid was sitting at a computer station with two computers.  He is in a role at work that is lesser known, not of lesser importance, but a support role.  I came up to the computer station and asked if he was using one of the computers, and if he minded if I used the one computer.  He laughingly stated that I shouldn't ask, but tell him that I was going to use the computer.  I told him that it was a respect issue.  He looked at me funny like.  I know he has a job to do.  I know that it is not a lead role.  That does not diminish him as an individual tho.  As I left, I told him "Dude, you gotta give respect in order to receive it".  He had that look of someone who was deep in thought.  Mission accomplished.

Why is respect so important?  Why is respect so important to me?  Good question.  I think it was my upbringing.  My parents instilled this in me.  But, lets go one step further.  I believe that respect is good to give, but you have to give the right kind of respect.  I know, I know, the right kind?  Another one word topic is perception.  I can give you a salute all day long, but if this is something that you don't recognize or see as a sign of respect then the respect that I give you is heard with deaf ears.  Get it?  I try to go one step further and would like to know what you see as someone showing you respect. 

Mind you, I am a work in progress.  I am working on this with the women in my life.  I have only figured one thing out tho.  I have a boat load more to learn.  (insert smiley face here)

Here I go again throwing out a cliche'.  If I could walk a mile in your moccasins then I could probably come one step closer to understanding what you perceive as respect.  Pardon the pun. 

Respect and perception go hand in hand.  If I care enough about you to give you any amount of respect, I better have enough heart to put a bit of thought into it and give you the right kind of respect.  To do one without the other is thoughtless.

I have a few regrets.  The goofy part is that these regrets are about respect.  I have respect for a couple of individuals that I have offended over the years, but they didn't know because I didn't take into account how they might have perceived the respect that I have for them.  I wish there was a twelve step program for people like me.  Hell, I don't even think they have a name for the medical condition I have.  That's supposed to be a joke.  (insert laugh here)

See you next time.

The Beginning

It is said that the journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step.  This is the first step.  This is the journey that begins a new endeavor. 

We are influenced in so many ways.  I can remember being influenced by a teacher.  Imagine that a teacher influencing a student.  We were on a field trip going to a drama event.  I was involved in drama in high school quite extensively I would say.

Oh and let me say that I might skip around on my thoughts a bit.  Try to keep up.  You see I am afflicted in many ways.  One of these ways is that my brain is a bit faster than my fingers or my mouth. 

Back to the drama field trip.  We were traveling in a school van, I believe.  I can remember seeing a bunch of planes along side the road flying.  I know now that they were ultralights, not really planes, but I didn't know the difference.  In any case, I said out loud that one day I would like to fly an airplane.  I thought I was using my inner voice at that time.  I wasn't.  In any case my teacher, she knows who she is, said in a "matter of fact" voice and attitude "Mike, I expect that one day you will".  Those words weren't quite exactly what she said as it has been a few years since high school.  The meaning however and the delivery of those words were such that "Mike, you are going to do whatever it is that you say you are going to do". 

Needless to say, that small town boy from Nebraska went on to become a pilot.

Back to the power of influence.  I don't know your profession.  I don't know your position on politics.  I don't know your gender.  I don't know where you live.  It doesn't matter.  What matters, you see, is how you influence. 

Two points to make here.  The first of which is how we influence ourselves.  What in the world are you talking about influencing ourselves?  It has to start with ourselves before we can take it outside of ourselves.  There is a saying that says something like "The master teaches that which he needs to be taught". 

By the way, I have cliche's for everything.  Just so you know.

We influence ourselves by what we think and how we act, or by the choices we make.  Somewhere along the lines of that which we think is what we become.  If we worry, sulk, dwell on the negative and in general think about bad stuff then bad is what happens. 

I know, sometimes life hands us a handful of crap.  It doesn't mean that we have to like it or even put up with it.  You cannot fight darkness with more darkness.  The only way to fight darkness is with light.  Be the light.  Be the bright, shining light.  You know that one thing at the end of the tunnel.  When you can get handed a pile of crap use it as fertilizer.  Use it for good.  Turn it into a learning experience.  A mistake (pile of crap) is only a mistake (pile of crap) if you don't learn from it.  If you learn from this experience, it now becomes a lesson.  Pretty cool huh?

Now we move on to influence on others.  Let me just say this, you don't have to be anything other than who you are to influence someone or something else.  The influence you have on others can be profound.  It can be life changing.  It can be good.  It can be bad.  There are choices and consequences. 

I have told my kids that a good person will do good, even when nobody is looking.  I believe this can be said of influence also.  Be the good influence, you never know what actions you are taking that will be the influence on someone or something.  Be the good influence that you would want someone to have on you or your family and friends.

Okay, enough of standing up on this darn soap box.  My intent here is to.........

My intent is to share.  I think that life is short.  Life is an unknown.  You don't know when your time is up.  I want to share some stories.  Some are good, some are not so good.  I want to share some happiness.  I want to share some memories before they are not memories anymore and they are just gone. 

There will be more to follow, this is just the beginning.  You know, that first step.  To those of you who have read to the end of my meandering style of writing I say............

Welcome aboard.