A life is created by a series of events, mostly small and a few significant. They may not seem notable at the time, but when you have a chance to look back and remember, each one does seem quite remarkable. I am at such a time, a time for looking back. I've got nowhere to go except where my mind and memories can take me. I'm writing my stories now so that I'm able to relive as much as I can while I still can.
This is not a biography about living with ALS. It is a series of reflections, thoughts, and embellished memories based on the first 25 years of my life. Writing and remembering is a gift I am giving myself, and others who accept it, at a time when I mostly take and the opportunities for giving are few. Writing gives me something to think about, something to do each day, so I don't dwell on the frozen and decaying state of my body.
My intent is to tell the story, however blurred and imagined, of some of the events and influences in my life which led up to the pivotal decision I made to leave South Carolina and accept a teaching job in Japan. I start by sharing memories of my two trips to Korsae Micronesia and the profound impact the Polynesian people had on my youth. I continue with stories remembered growing up on Guam and Okinawa describing the influence Japanese, Chamorro and military culture had on my formative years.
I describe what I remember of my teenage years, my first job, first car, senior year of high school in Charleston South Carolina and my somewhat troubled adjustment to life in the United States. I reminisce about my fun filled years at Clemson University and some selected exploits during my travels through Europe at that time. My decision to become an educator is explained and I talk about my first teaching job, life and friends in Gaffney South Carolina. I end the memoir describing my personal growth during a three week road trip across the United States just before moving to Japan.
I'm just an ordinary person who's lived, in my opinion, a remarkable life. I hope you enjoy reading these stories as much as I enjoyed living them.
