This Life's Tempestuous Sea

In a weak moment, I have written a book.


-Margaret Mitchell

This book is a multilayered creation that touches on a wide array of topics, many of them drawn from personal experiences. Indeed, you the lucky reader
will be blessed with enough material for at least three books within one cover. Why would I want to write such a multi-themed book? It wasn't my original
intention. Maybe I've learned an important lesson and won't do so next time. Like many older folks, I wanted to share what I have learned to be true and
useful and couldn't seem to stay with a single topic.

I've lived long enough to confirm an important realization: the gleanings from a well-lived life are at least as important as knowledge gained vicariously
through reading and classroom attendance. But I think most people don't fully appreciate the value of their life lessons and end up taking most of them to
the grave. I want to counter that pattern and use this book to share as many of my gleanings as I can. I also recognize several imminent dangers facing
this nation and our planet and feel compelled to share these concerns. Just as important: I want my wife, children, and grandchildren to know more about
who I was and who I've come to be. I hope they will have occasions to use some of my wisdom.