Back and forth we strolled, the Heeler and I, along the road Sunday morning. I looked and listened for the interesting and the unusual, while Smudge mostly sniffed.
The day had dawned calm and cool (50°F). A line of clouds swept over The Mountain from the northwest, making way for clear air behind.
It was quiet at that hour, if not entirely still. No highway noise drifted across the valley. The only sign that I wasn’t the last human alive on Earth was a single-engine aircraft passing overhead, no doubt bound for Gaston’s, maybe Flippin.
Immersed in the peace of this place, walking my dog, I thought about the race I’ve run over the last seven decades.
I’m not finished.
So far, it’s been one helluva ride. I’ve taken risks and reaped the rewards. I’ve gambled and lost — and won.
I’ve made my own choices and I’ve lived my own life — no one else’s. I defied expectations not by being defiant, but by being true.
I’m proud of where my choices have brought me. I’m satisfied to be the man I am today.
The challenges I now face are considerable. Honestly, I don’t know that I’ve ever had so many people rooting for me to fail — a few of whom, in fact, have said (out loud) that they’d celebrate my earthly demise.
I can’t be bothered with that, or them. I won’t take their poison. I’m immune to their sickness.
As with everything else that doesn’t serve me, I’m indifferent to it.
Throughout my life, all things meant to destroy me have strengthened me. Every attempt to inflict pain and loss has led to joy. This time will be no different.
Look at the photos I’ve included in this post — the sky and the land, my companion and my home. This is my world. This is what’s important to me.
I’m all-in. I can’t lose.
So long as I draw breath, I’ll never know defeat.
Take care of yourselves, Patriots. Stay calm. Stay sharp. Stay free.
#WiseUp #LibertyOrDeath #Ungovernable