Link to buy My Book https://a.co/d/aQ3X7wj Thanks for joining me! Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton Your past does not determine who you are. Your past prepares you for who you are to become.
The Journey Begins
What is the legacy you want to leave behind?
About the Author
In the timeless words of Henry Brooks Adams, “A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.” Embracing this profound wisdom, I believe that a life well-lived is one marked by the continuous exchange of knowledge and wisdom. As the author, I echo the sentiment that if you’ve journeyed through life without imparting something meaningful to the next generation, be it through teaching or learning, you’ve merely existed, not truly lived. Through my writings, I aspire to contribute to the tapestry of wisdom, leaving an imprint that resonates beyond the confines of time. I have written over five hundred Blogs, many dealing with Parenting, Relationships and Safe Driving with the hope that someone will benefit from them..Facebook inspired me to start writing, my first Blog sixty words long was posted on Facebook. From that day on I knew that Social media was a tool to share Knowledge. In the process of writing this Book, I have learned that you can face life, no matter what it throws at you. It’s all about resiliency of the human spirit
A twelve-hour road trip can be the most exhilarating and essential journey for your emotional well-being. It’s a chance to break free, explore, and rejuvenate. However, it can also be fraught with hazards, turning our pursuit of freedom into a perilous adventure. As Steppenwolf famously sang, “Looking for adventure and whatever comes our way.” This sentiment captures the essence of road travel – the gateway to opportunity and wealth in America began with our ability to move.
The roads themselves are marvels of engineering, capable of taking us up mountains or through tunnels carved into the earth. They connect distant points, allowing us to reach the previously unreachable. Yet, it is not the roads that are inherently dangerous; it is the drivers who make them so. The design of these pathways includes all necessary precautions, with clear signage and carefully considered routes. It’s up to us, the drivers, to heed these warnings and navigate them safely.
In one of my previous blogs, “The Weakest Part of the Car,” I highlighted that the most fragile component of any vehicle is the person behind the wheel. Defensive driving is not just a recommendation; it’s a necessity. It’s the difference between life and death, between a safe arrival and a tragic accident. It means respecting traffic signs, understanding the limitations of your vehicle, and always prioritizing safety over speed.
For instance, speeding to escape a bad traffic pattern may seem like a good idea at the moment, but it can lead to disastrous consequences. You might feel the need to show off your engine’s power, but without the skills to manage it properly, you’re putting everyone on the road at risk. Effective driving is about using your engine wisely, maintaining control, and avoiding unnecessary risks.
Throughout my extensive road trips, some lasting up to twenty hours, I’ve learned the value of life and the importance of rationality behind the wheel. The road is not a place for reckless behavior or impulsive decisions. Every moment of carelessness endangers not just your life but also the lives of others who are trying to get home to their loved ones.
One poignant reminder of this is the “Fallen Workers Monument” deep in the mountains of West Virginia. During a stop at a rest area, I was drawn to a striking statue of a highway worker holding up a stop sign. On the pedestal were the names of over twenty fallen workers, a stark reminder of the consequences of carelessness.
So, as you embark on your next road trip, remember: the roads are not dangerous; it’s the driver who makes them so. Be the driver who respects the journey, values life, and prioritizes safety above all else. After all, the road to freedom and adventure should always lead us back home safely.
Years later, my journey led me to South Carolina, where I crossed paths with an extraordinary woman named Flo. Despite the significant age gap, Flo became one of my many bosses in the realm of a bustling kitchen, where I worked as a Line Cook for a prominent Hospitality Company. Her name, like a gentle breeze, hinted at the graceful and fluid way she managed both the kitchen and interpersonal relationships.
Within the confines of the culinary chaos, Flo not only valued my culinary presentations but also embraced me for who I was as a person. Her ability to appreciate people beyond superficial differences, transcending the barriers of age and color, left a lasting impression on me. In her, I found a reflection of the open-minded and loving qualities reminiscent of another remarkable person in my life – Sherry.
In documenting my experiences, I couldn’t help but mention Flo in the pages of my book. She was a shining example of someone who saw beyond the surface, much like Sherry. Flo’s character and approach to life echo the sentiment captured in Elton John’s lyrics, “How wonderful life is when you are in the world.” Her openness and love for others have left an indelible mark on my journey.
Recalling my mother’s advice to seek out the amazing ten-percent in life, meeting individuals like Flo has become the guiding force of my existence. Flo’s indelible presence has reaffirmed the beauty of diversity and the richness it brings to our lives, fostering a deep appreciation for the extraordinary individuals who grace our paths. In the grand tapestry of existence, it’s crucial for individuals to acknowledge the inevitability of life’s conclusion. The essence lies in cherishing the moments with one another during our brief sojourn on this planet. Amidst the complexities of life, it becomes evident that beyond the superficialities of frills and fanfare, the true significance lies in the shared experiences and connections forged with fellow beings. Regret, often a companion in reflection, arises from the delayed realization that the paramount pursuit should be the enjoyment of each other’s company. This revelation serves as a poignant and thought-provoking exploration, urging individuals to grasp the essence of existence and embrace the profound joy found in the company of others. living each day in the turmoil of hate, only robs the precious time given on this Earth.
Chapter Two
Same but different.
Jay always professed himself to be my brother, but he was no brother of mine. Mother died without me giving her credit for her perception of my so-called best friend, whom I considered my brother. She had constantly hammered at me, ‘He is no good; lose him.’ Hard-headed as I was, I stuck with him to the edge of calamity. We were inseparable, as tight as Abbott and Costello, and in almost every class together. After school, we took the Number Four train, where we did our homework to Forty-second Street. From there, we walked to 666 5th Ave, where we worked full-time at a five-star restaurant. There, we jockeyed positions as pastry chefs and grill chefs.
Going to school and working full-time was very taxing, but we didn’t care; it put good money in our pockets which allowed us to dress like pimps and party like we were rich and famous. Besides textbooks, we only read Gentleman’s Quarterly, the leading fashion magazine for men, Ebony and Jet magazines. We dressed G.Q. going to school; we wouldn’t be caught dead with holes in our jeans; only the poor haters came to school with holes in their clothes. We dressed better than our teachers, who thought we were uppity; we were hated by blacks and whites, all thinking that we were uppity and drug dealers. We had the most extraordinary weed connections; one worked for the airlines and traveled the world; we smoked a lot of it but never sold any.
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