What Next?

Last weekend, I flew unaccompanied for the first time. The last time I had been on an airplane was in 1985 when I flew to England. After watching the devastation of 9-11, I had told myself that I would never fly again. So, not only did I have a fear of flying but I never would have imagined that I would ever travel by plane alone. Just as in every new situation that I’ve ever faced, I had no idea what to expect. I didn’t know how I would be cared for on the plane if needed. I didn’t know exactly who would be responsible for helping me collect my baggage or change planes in the Atlanta airport. Like many times before in my life, I had a million questions with no answers. All I had was faith and the strong encouragement of others that everything would be just fine. And all I knew for sure was that no matter what, I was going to Texas to visit my friend, Sam.

This is a small version of a familiar scenario that has played itself out so many times throughout my life. I have no problem starting something with just the goal in mind. I always know where I want to end up but I won’t have a clue how I’m going to get there or who will help me along the way. Frightened and nervous, I take that first step anyway. With a deep breath, in the face of small or large milestones, I have heard myself saying,
“I will go to Highschool without an assistant with me.”
“I will go to college.”
“I will hold a job and have a home of my own.”
“I will get on that plane!”

This year, I plan to begin work on a new goal: writing a book and getting it published. This will absorb a lot of my free time. So, unfortunately I will not be able to keep up a weekly addition on this blog as I did before Christmas. Instead I have decided to post monthly updates on the progress being made toward the book. So, please keep checking in every month and rest assured that this year’s goal will be reached. Just as in the past, I don’t know how or when. But I do know that it will happen.

As for my trip to Texas, I am pleased to say that everything went as smoothly as I hoped it would. I landed in Dallas in the middle of an ice storm and had the time of my life for four days. My friend Sam, arranged for me to visit the inside of a world that rarely gets seen by “outsiders.” He took me to a nuclear power plant where he is currently working on a Steam Generator Replacement Project. What made the strongest impression was the amount of time and effort Sam and others spent on making that day and the whole weekend special just for me. Throughout the weekend, with total amazement on his face, Sam kept looking at me saying, “We’re in Texas.” Each time I laughed and nodded in agreement at just how unpredictable this life can be. You just never know what’s going to happen next which is exactly what can make our little lives so much fun!

Stay tuned!



Photos: Taken Januuary 2007