The preparations begin

As the time draws nearer for my “Big Trip” (which I believe I'll refer to hence as P48, the Perimeter of the contiguous 48 states) I begin the process of preparing mentally. Not just the equipment list, but looking at the what, where, why and when. As has been my situation through most of my life, I begin questioning myself – should I be doing this, can I pull it off, how will I force myself out of my shell and meet people and experience things that will allow me to get the most from the experience?

In the last 16 months a phrase has recurred many times that I have begun to take as “gospel”. The exact wording changes each time, but the essence of the phrase is that “God will place people in your path that will lead you in the right direction”.

For me that one person was Betty. For 39 years she walked with me, helped navigate for me (both figuratively and literally), gave me confidence when I had none and a kick in the rear end when I needed it most. With her passing my biggest concern has been how to move forward without my right hand, my crutch, my internal compass.

This trip is intended to function on numerous levels. I love to travel and Betty and I had planned to take a “Big Trip” of slightly different shape when we retired. Unfortunately she will be riding with me in my soul instead of my passenger’s seat. So the trip becomes an adventure of scenery, experiences, reuniting with friends and family, and introspection.

Also, perhaps unfortunately, I’ve decided to attempt a blog. Although most people would view me as a man of few words, when I write I seldom suffer from this affliction. So in addition to recording my trip in words and pictures I will try to also offer up on occasion an essay, the form of which will probably surprise both of us. So for now let me say “stay tuned” and let me share this bit of inspiration that God placed into my path.

Seemingly from an old backpacker, it is actually from a young lady that I happen to see on a PBS program this morning. Asked to express her view of her philosophy of life she said:

The heaviest thing you will ever carry through your life is regret. Make sure you don’t carry too heavy a load on your journey