What Really Matters
When I began writing my most recent story, I remembered a feeling I had as a young boy. I believed that if I could turn my head quickly enough, I would see those on the other side. I could always feel them around me but was never able to turn my head fast enough. A person ages and often those childhood memories fade away. We go to school and our brains are filled with new knowledge, we meet new kids in our classes who become dear friends. In my case, my father was an Air Force pilot, so every three or four years, we would move. Then I would have to meet new people, go to a new school, learn ever more stuff, and eventually grow up.
To make matters more complex, my family life was not good. My brother had little time for his younger brother. My dad was a pilot and often away (three tours in Vietnam). My mother had mental health issues that plagued her whole married life. She passed away a few days before my high school graduation.
The longest period of stability I recall was my time at the University of Iowa– four whole years. Even then, I spent the summers before my freshman and sophomore years in Ethiopia, where my father worked with the US Embassy. After college, I spent a few years in the Midwest working, until I had the chance to move to Southern California. I have been here more than forty years. What a relief!
Even then, I was focused on my jobs which required me to travel to different states and countries. The travel was great, except the endless hours in coach class. I do not like air travel, although it is not possible to travel to Europe, South America, or Australia any other way. I always said I hate air travel, but love the places I have been.
I think my change of heart occurred when I lost my job with one of America’s largest corporations. They had acquired a company I worked for. Being a huge enterprise, the C-Level executives thought they knew everything, and they are smart people. But nobody knows everything. So they began to ruin their acquisition. Their first step was to eliminate most of the senior management team, including me.
That time off led me to writing. I was quite prolific in those days, cranking out three books a year. After a few books, I noticed common themes in my stories. The good guys always win, and the element of faith is always present. Looking back over my books, I found at least half had very strong connections to God. While I was writing, I do not think I even considered that. But there it was.
In the blink of an eye, I was that young boy again. Confident that I was connected to the other side. As I age, I realize “the other side” is God, His Son, and His Angels. I am supremely grateful that my connection to what truly matters remains strong and grows stronger every day.
Wow, Karl. You’ve had your share of adversity. How sad that your mom passed away just before you graduated. That must have been so hard for you. You’ve led an interesting, productive life, but the best part to read was what you discovered about the ‘other side’ through your writing.
Blessings!
Patty
Thanks, Patty. My connection to God is still the leading driver in my life. I mentioned earlier how many of my books have a spiritual bent. That is not going to change. Praising God is my life now. I promise not to be preachy though. There are plenty of clergy to do that. I want to make it fun! I want readers to discover their own connection. If I can help, I am thrilled.
Karl, you led an interesting life. I know the moving around wasn’t good but at least you got to travel the world before settling down. Your writing is out of this world and complex but different more so than most out of this world writers. You have a lot going on in that head of yours and it shows in your stories.
Karl, your posts are always interesting and full of personal revelations. All those experiences made you what you are today – which is fabulous!
Maura, thank you for the kind words. I don’t mind sharing my past. It is part of me and the core of my current life experiences. Sure, I don’t know if anyone has a “perfect childhood.” What we experience leads us to where we are going. Or something like that…
Thank you, Shirley. Traveling is great as you get older. As a young boy, it was very disorienting. But when life gives you lemons, you have to make the best of it. That is why I chose a regular career. I moved a few times, but have been able to stay here in Southern California for a very long time. Stability and a family life are awesome healing techniques. Now my focus is writing. My imagination is quite active, so oftentimes my tales can seem outrageous. But as I tell others, my genre is fantasy. At least in this genre I can let my mind run free.
As an Army brat, I completely understand the instability of moving around so much. When I became an adult, I wanted nothing more than to stay in one place for the rest of my life. I will travel every year to other locations, but I love having a home to come back to. I love how your life has come full circle with your childhood memories. Thanks for sharing those today, Karl!
Yvette M Calleiro 🙂
http://yvettemcalleiro.blogspot.com
I’m glad you stopped by, Yvette. The military life was never designed for the children. Our parents chose their path, and the rest of us are forced to follow. That does not make it bad, just different. Many of my friends have lived close to here all their lives. That sense of security and a home must be amazing. I was fortunate to have wonderful grandparents who provided some of the sense of home to my wandering family. And I have lived in SoCal for over forty years now. Home at last, even with the crazy government. All the best.
Karl–It’s interesting, the things we believe when we’re kids. I remember some of the things I thought would happen if I did specific things (such as what you thought if you turned your head all the way around). My family didn’t move around at all; the only traveling we did was to go to my father’s home in southwestern Virginia for two weeks when the plant where my mother worked shut down every year (those were the days when people didn’t get to choose their vacations). Once, we convinced my parents to go to Montreal for something different. My mother went ballistic when she saw the Gulden’s mustard commercial on TV IN FRENCH! She also didn’t like watching Bonanza IN FRENCH! I thought it was fabulous, since I had just taken my first year of French in school.
Keep the stories coming. It’s a lot of fun reading them.
Wanda, I used to wonder how different my life would have been if my father was not in the military. I realize that was a waste of time. Reality is what it is. Our experiences make us who we are. I’m just glad to have found my passion for writing. I have so many ideas in my head. Perhaps that is why so many of my stories are in series. Too much to say for just one book. All the best and thank you for your kind thoughts.
Hi Karl, my family was not in the military, but I too moved a lot and know how destabilizing that can be, especially if your home life isn’t good. I’m sorry for what you went through, but I wonder if, in your estimation, did it make you stronger? People may be surprised to find out as someone who has had a UFO encounters in my life, that I actually share your belief in God. I also have more faith with each passing day, not less. By the way, I’m with you, the good guys should always win!
Best wishes,
Donna M Atwood
D M Atwood
https://www.dmatwood.com
Wow! That’s quite a revelation, Donna. I hope the experience was positive or at least not too unpleasant. With me, it is just my brain working with higher powers to keep me grounded and focused on what matters. It’s easy to be distracted by events and the news. I was for a long time. Now, I can barely stomach any news programs at all. Life is better without the constant blather about everyone else. My life now is about my family and my God. That’s plenty for any person, in my view. Take care.
Hi, Karl,
Your travels and your trials have made you who you are now and that little kid in you never died. I love the phrase from William Wordsworth, “The child is the father of man.”
I can only repeat that I loved reading your first book and your characters captured me. Keep writing.
Shalom aleichem
Thank you, Pat. As you said, we all are the result of all the good and bad that has affected us in our lives. I hope I am a better person for having been through all those things. I am glad you enjoyed by story. All the best!
And speaking of the phrase “all the best,” I picked that up from one of the CEOs I worked for. He is French, and always finished his memos with “A bien tot.” He is such a great man that his words stuck with me.
You’ve had an exciting childhood even though you had your share of hardships, but I can see it helped you grow into the interesting person you are today.
Susanne, we are the sum-total of our experiences. Good, bad, indifferent, they all add up to who we are. What matters now is not the past, but what we do with our present. Enjoy the ride.