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.