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I hope that this is OK to post here.
Perhaps it is a factor of aging that each year about this time I find myself in a reflective mode, revisiting the pathway that my life has taken over the past 50 years. I think it takes many years to realize that we all faced intersections in life where one wrong decision would have changed the entire dynamics of our lives. Actually, its almost a bit spooky just thinking about it! In my case it has been no different although luck was in my corner to lead me on a path I would have never dreamed possible during those formative years.
Perhaps the one choice that led me down a meandering, life changing path was when I turned down a career job only a few months following graduation at Texas Tech in May of ’74. I did not take the weight of such a decision lightly so I went to an old gentleman here in Benjamin, a man 90 plus years of age, and asked his opinion about what he thought I should do. It was the only time I recall ever speaking to him but I appreciated the wisdom of age and took his suggestion seriously. Lucky for me his views aligned with my own, thus my choice was made. I would forgo a career opportunity and venture out on my own as a professional predator hunter, a livelihood I would pursue for the ensuing 6 years that would eventually be a springboard to my becoming a professional photographer for 43 years thereafter.
During my teaching stint at Texas Tech for a 12 year period I tried to end each semester with a pep talk to my students, mostly juniors and seniors, about life beyond the university sphere. My suggestion stemmed from my own life experiences, that of breaking the bonds of standardization and try their wings of exploration, engaging something that can only be done at such a young age. I told them if their venture doesn’t work, pursue what they initially thought was the direction of their educational intent. And too, whatever life way chosen, never forget those people who have paved the way to ensure a smoother path to those distant goals. I would stress, “To that end, positive things can be achieved.”
I wish that I could name all who aided in directing me to this point today, be they ranchers, cowboys, friends or just those individuals met only once during one of my many forays to distant parts of America over the past four decades. But to so many I owe so much, especially my wonderful Sylinda who has supported me throughout the tough times and the good over the past two decades.
Those of whom I speak will know this message is to them, they being so many I could never name them all, but please know that I think of you often, for without your guidance and helping hand throughout, my life achievements could not have come to fruition.
God Bless you all and thanks for making my life, quite literally, an experience I never dreamed possible in earlier years, and I hope I have touched the lives of more than a few in a positive manner as well. Wishing for all a great 2024 and God Bless America…
Perhaps it is a factor of aging that each year about this time I find myself in a reflective mode, revisiting the pathway that my life has taken over the past 50 years. I think it takes many years to realize that we all faced intersections in life where one wrong decision would have changed the entire dynamics of our lives. Actually, its almost a bit spooky just thinking about it! In my case it has been no different although luck was in my corner to lead me on a path I would have never dreamed possible during those formative years.
Perhaps the one choice that led me down a meandering, life changing path was when I turned down a career job only a few months following graduation at Texas Tech in May of ’74. I did not take the weight of such a decision lightly so I went to an old gentleman here in Benjamin, a man 90 plus years of age, and asked his opinion about what he thought I should do. It was the only time I recall ever speaking to him but I appreciated the wisdom of age and took his suggestion seriously. Lucky for me his views aligned with my own, thus my choice was made. I would forgo a career opportunity and venture out on my own as a professional predator hunter, a livelihood I would pursue for the ensuing 6 years that would eventually be a springboard to my becoming a professional photographer for 43 years thereafter.
During my teaching stint at Texas Tech for a 12 year period I tried to end each semester with a pep talk to my students, mostly juniors and seniors, about life beyond the university sphere. My suggestion stemmed from my own life experiences, that of breaking the bonds of standardization and try their wings of exploration, engaging something that can only be done at such a young age. I told them if their venture doesn’t work, pursue what they initially thought was the direction of their educational intent. And too, whatever life way chosen, never forget those people who have paved the way to ensure a smoother path to those distant goals. I would stress, “To that end, positive things can be achieved.”
I wish that I could name all who aided in directing me to this point today, be they ranchers, cowboys, friends or just those individuals met only once during one of my many forays to distant parts of America over the past four decades. But to so many I owe so much, especially my wonderful Sylinda who has supported me throughout the tough times and the good over the past two decades.
Those of whom I speak will know this message is to them, they being so many I could never name them all, but please know that I think of you often, for without your guidance and helping hand throughout, my life achievements could not have come to fruition.
God Bless you all and thanks for making my life, quite literally, an experience I never dreamed possible in earlier years, and I hope I have touched the lives of more than a few in a positive manner as well. Wishing for all a great 2024 and God Bless America…
