I decided to create this blogspot to share with others stories of my life experiences. I consider them to be pertinent as they are my life, they are what I am, who I am. I have considered writing a book. Maybe not, maybe this will allow me to share memories without pressures of what comes next. As I have tended to live my life without much structure, mostly to react to stimuli, as they say. These pages will come as they come back to me, as they strike, I will write. I can also be a bit of a storyteller as the mood hits me. Maybe some things here won't agree with you, but at least you'll get to know me and isn't that why you are here?

Sunday, January 13, 2013

Everybody dies... But not everybody lives... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Saw that on a t-shirt a few years ago. Makes sense, really. Happy New Year! Yea, bit late. I was wondering where to go this year. I, like everyone else was obsessed with all the folks lost in 2012. Even started to check out the lists that are commonly made each year regarding famous people that passed during the year. Thinking about movie stars, sports stars, musicians, others that we have been entertained by that have gone on to the next level. I decided, like last year, that we all are fully aware of the famous ones, our favorites that are gone and it does get depressing. Those we have grown up with, have known, not personally, but still, it touches us. There is no shortage of those that would appreciate knowing they will be missed. I thought of my own personal losses. From a true Matriarch, a woman that has led our family for so long, loved and respected like no other. We couldn't ask for another minute with her, she gave us all she had. I think of our war hero, too young, either to be hero or gone. He touched more lives than we imagined. Down to the little one. Our young friend, so happy. Anticipating all that comes with a new life, growing inside her, her little man. Taken so coldly and quickly, we never even had a chance to see his little face or remark about how he looked like mom or dad or share in our friends' happiness. But like last year, I made no list. We all know the ones that have left us here to carry on. To be strong, to hold dear, those that lost ones closer than we. Saw a very good movie a while back. One of the main characters made a statement about death, actually a couple of them. The first was made upon the death of a fellow traveler, when he stated, " the only thing you can do about death is to ride away ". True I suppose, got to keep moving. The other comment was made shortly before his own death. Arguing with his longtime partner and friend about his impending demise, he stated, "It's not dying I'm talking about, it's living." Michael Jeter, an actor of some merit, stated during an interview that he was not dying of AIDS, he was living with AIDS. We sure spend a lot of time dying. Well, I've got some reasons to try to stay alive this year. I have been called a survivor, I have been associated with the coyote. Living for today, with an eye on tomorrow as well. Other than the obvious family and friends as a reason to keep the blood pumping, there are other things that, even the thought of, will keep me interested in staying around. I plan, this April, to be involved in the Lawton MS walk. I hope to raise a bit more money than I did last time. My friend has MS and I discovered last year that the wife of another friend has been diagnosed, so I will do this in support of those and others. Last Memorial weekend, I took a Marine Corps flag to something called Rolling Thunder. A large demonstration in Washington, D.C. I took it to have as many Marines to sign it as I could, so I could present it to a friend of mine that couldn't make the trip. This year, I plan on taking him. In July, I have a a nephew that I love dearly that will be tying the knot with a beautiful young lady and come hell or high water, uncle G will find a way to be there. Something that I may not manage, but would love to do is make a very special iron butt run. I found a route that would take me through a place called Cave Creek, Az. There is a bar there where the notorious Hells Angels are reputed to hang out. Having 24 hours to ride 2000 miles would give me plenty of time to stop and make an attempt at getting a autograph from a man named Sonny Barger. It would easily mean more to me than to him, haha. That's a long shot, but surely worth the thought. I was planning on making that trip with someone that truly could have used a long, grueling trip like that with such a reward, but he took another trip and I hope it's been a good one so far. That, by way would be in October, in time for Sonny's birthday run. Another birthday of interest is my best friend's. My most enduring and best friend, my brother is having a significant birthday with a zero on the end. I can't think of anywhere I'd rather be on the 18th of December. These are but a few of the ideas I have for making 2013 a special year. 2012 had some high points and some very low points. I even touched my son......for the first time in decades and truly hope to see fruit from that seed. I, of course, plan to continue to ride with the Patriot Guard and maybe go ahead and join up with Rolling Thunder, as I desire to try to give back to those who give so much. I recently received a certificate and a picture on the Wall of Fame for my blood donations with the Oklahoma Blood Institute for my 2012 offerings and I plan to continue to donate as often as I safely can. So, all that being said, 2013 is shaping up to be a good, busy and fruitful year. I hope you all have made your plans to stay with us so we can get together and compare notes next January. Be safe and love each other.