The Past....In Days Of Old, When Knights Were Bold......

From time to time we all reflect on where we are, where we're going, and if we have any common sense, where we've been.

It's the latter that I want to focus on right now. For where we've been, to a large percentage, defines who we are and is the beginning of where we are now, and so on.

If you have a past that you are not proud of, or at the very least not content with; one typically sees individuals work very had to change who they were to who they want to be.

My past has definitely defined who I am today, and where I am today. I have been somewhat introspective lately and find comfort in my past. I am proud of my past and it has served me well. For one thing, I have some great stories to tell in the good times; and something to blame in the bad times. I am human after all and having a 'fall guy' of sorts helps. My past is both - good and bad.

Someone made the comment to me recently, that I may be going through a mid-life crises. I would disagree.... I have not gone out to buy a Hummer, or taken up with dyeing my hair (I keep shaving my head and armpit hair does not dye well), or any of the human foibles that men seem to do when they reach that mid-life period. I also don't 'feel' like I've reached any min-life point (I believe that for my generation, mid-life is closer to the 80's).

So its not that - its more a matter of confirmation of what has shaped me; its a place I get some inspiration for my writing; its a period where, what I have learned, helps to keep my family safe; and its a time that has empowered me to push for what I believe in - Humanity, and a greater sense of Self.

These two pictures represent the first five years of my days in the military and they were good times (I'm not in the second picture but I am in the first - guess which one).

I'm hoping to get together with the old-timers sometime this summer and reminisce some more. To raise a glass to those that have past on and to celebrate the next generation (my son for one) that will take to the 'splitting the trails' and 'putting one up the tube' to defend the flag.

Time is just begining my friends.....

UBIQUE - QUO FAS ET GLORIA DUCUNT

(EVERYWHERE - WHERE RIGHT AND GLORY LEAD)