Reflection

The problem with restarting this blog is that there is an expectation for consistency in posts!  I truly don't mind the prodding though; I can always use more practice in writing.  I am still struggling to find some balance in this risky world in which we now live.  A balance between sharing enough of my thoughts to make this blog worthwhile to the folks who read it in order to stay connected with me, and not sharing too much as to make myself a target for physical harm or professional liability from people who don't.  A friend of mine previously penned a post that sheds some light on some of the concerns of those of us who choose to put ourselves out in the public domain.

Since I last posted, I've had a significant amount of down time.  In fact, more than I can remember ever having since entering the working world.  This time to "take a knee" has afforded me ample opportunity to explore my new surroundings, read, and workout whenever I feel like it.  It has certainly given me motivation to retire at an early enough age to do all this permanently while I can still enjoy it!

Pony Express Museum, Marysville, KS

As usual, upon establishing a new residence, I've identified some sights and activities I'd like to experience during my time here.  This whole area is just steeped in American history of the westward movement in the 1800s.  The Santa Fe, Oregon, California, Lewis & Clark,  and Pony Express Trails all run through this area and are chock full of museums and historic natural and man-made sites to visit.  There are so many details about that period in history I just don't remember learning about in school, so I'm excited to get to experience them physically and not just through the pages of a book.

Though classes haven't really started yet, I've had a few interactions with fellow classmates that have enabled me to make new friends.  The diversity of students here promises to provide as much of an education through interactions as through coursework.  As I forge new friendships though, this week has given me pause to reflect on old ones.  I'm not always great with remembering birthdays (thank goodness for email and Facebook reminders), but there are three significant birthdays that are easy to remember since they all occur in the same week:  Karla's, my mom's and Dave's.  Birthday wishes conveyed to my mom and Karla are easy and joyous.  Dave's birthday however, is another story.

Jim, Dave and me at 2001 Blue Angel half marathon.

Me, Jim and Dave were the Three Amigos; inseparable for more than a decade.  Not only did we fly hundreds of hours together, we were family.  I can recall so many significant events the three of us shared:  my college graduation, Dave's Chief pinning, Jim and Karla's wedding, Dave's daughter Jessica's high school graduation, Dave's retirement, Jim's commissioning, countless parties, road races, triathlons, BBQs and just hanging out...we were always a part of each other's lives.  Time, distance and life circumstances tested our friendships over the years, which redefined our roles as our brother's keeper.  But through it all, I think we each kept a profound sense of connectedness to each other.  So, within this context, I am no more prepared to celebrate his birthday today than I was to render that final salute at his funeral last October.  I'm sure there are so many lessons to be learned, but today I just miss my friend and brother.  Whatever the circumstances, make an effort to stay connected to those who have impacted your life...you won't always have that opportunity.