Rare Air Episode 45

October 1, 2021 - By Roger D.

What would I attempt to do if I knew I could not fail? This is a challenge my mother presented to me at different times in life. Happily, I’m coming up with some answers. First, I would write more, and aim to see that work through publication. And beyond that, I would spend more time traveling, capturing scenic beauty, and producing more nature documentaries.

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There was a time when I was hustling my way through college, which involved showing up one weekend per month for U.S. Air Force Reserve duty at Homestead Air Force Base in South Florida. A good friend I met there named Richard Cline was very into snorkeling and catching lobster, and very often, we would take off on Saturday afternoons and head south for Islamorada. We’d head out, catch what we could, and then wind up sitting at a rum bar before heading back to the base. If Mom had been there prompting me with her “big question” back then, I think my answer would have been along these lines.

Thanks so much for asking, Mom. I think I’ll just stay right here and do this all the time.

Obviously, that was not an option for me: The snorkeling and rum bar rewards only came along due to the rest of the hard work, diligence, and performance.

Fast forward a few decades … and my attempts to wrestle with Mom’s challenge find me in a new place. Persistence in writing and pressing myself to see that work through publication is paying off, and it looks like we shall have some more opportunities to travel and put cameras to good use. I am feeling very blessed, and looking forward to more spectacular sunrises.