Thursday, December 16, 2010

Cheyenne


'Watch out! You nearly broadsided that car!' My father yelled at me. 'Can't you do anything right?' Those words hurt worse than blows. I turned my head toward the elderly man in the seat beside me, daring me to challenge him. A lump rose in my throat as I averted my eyes. I wasn't prepared for another battle.

'I saw the car, Dad.. Please don't yell at me when I'm driving.' My voice was measured and steady, sounding far calmer than I really felt.

Dad glared at me, then, turned away and settled back. At home, I left Dad in front of the television and went outside to collect my thoughts. Dark, heavy clouds hung in the air with a promise of rain. The rumble of distant thunder seemed to echo my inner turmoil.

What could I do about him?

Taos Pueblo - A Journey in Black and White

Taos Pueblo - A Journey in Black and White (click here to view)

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Ruby Beach, Washington State Pacific Coast, Olympic Pennisula

It was on this very same beach I stood 22 years ago. Just graduated from Purdue University, and this was my first trip west of the Mississippi River. I had seen more beauty than I had ever seen before during my cross-country drive. I was young and had my whole life ahead of me.

It was on July 17, 2010, that I returned to stand in this very same spot. And cried. It was not tears of sorrow, but tears of joy. Since the first time I stood here, 22 years ago, my life crashed just as the waves were doing on the rocks and shore. I had been places I do not wish on my worst enemy. I have met people that most have only dreamed about in their worst nightmares. My life had done a complete 180 since the first time I stood on this beach.

It was then that I realized that the world really had not changed... the rocks, the beach, the surf... they were all the same. It was I that truly had changed. The places I had been, the people I had met... they were not a curse. They were a blessing. They helped me open my eyes and truly see what the world has to offer.

Then my tears of joy became tears of sorrow. I realized then that so many other people in this world would never be blessed as I have been. I have no regrets... I only have gratitude.