Fourteen years has flown by

Looking back over the past fourteen years since I began the blog, there have been many changes in my life and the world. The stunning event that began the desire to write is long past and mostly buried in the dark corners of my mind. Being let go from a job that was both rewarding yet crushing was one of those key events you never forget. Coming home to tell my wife that I was no longer employed in a job that was the primary source of our income was one of the hardest days of my life. I give her a ton of credit though for sticking with me through the aftermath of the day. After the shock wore off, we slowly started picking up the pieces. My first thought was to just try and do my own consulting business, but the Lord had other plans. Without understanding those plans at the time, we would end up going back “home” to Western Pennsylvania.

A new door opened and each time things changed again over the next thirteen years, we were never without opportunities and frankly, the stress level was dramatically relieved.

I didn’t know it at the time, but my mom would develop a debilitating disease called Parkinsons, and the move home allowed us to be with her through her progression. I sometimes think that God already knew where we were most needed and he sent us there. I would also get a chance to make peace with two of my siblings before they passed at too young of an age. When mom finally joined dad in heaven during Covid, I was sad but also glad that her suffering was over.

During my years I have been a teacher, skills trainer, consultant, lecturer, public speaker, preacher, leader, counselor and I hope a friend when needed.

I have made a fair amount of money but frankly, the things I do for free have been much more rewarding. 

Another new chapter in the south

The move south has been very rewarding so far. Every Monday I get a chance to teach a class on submarines and the cold war to a captive audience of nuclear power school students on board the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier museum. When my class is done, I head up to the information desk and greet the visitors to the ship. It is one of the best jobs I have ever had. The people I work with are mainly veterans although some are civilian volunteers that care about history. The variety of visitors and wide age range is fascinating. Some come just to wander around aimlessly, and some appreciate our help to be more focused in their tours. I have developed a bit of a script to engage with them. People from all over the world visit here. And there is so much to see between the carrier, the destroyer across the pier and the Vietnam Experience.

We finally have time to make friendships and days like today are fulfilling.

My veterans club put up small flags all around the community for the fourth of July today and so many people stopped to thank us for what we do. The club also does other activities including serving meals to the volunteers at our local fire departments.

Statistics

 

The blog has done pretty well over the years. As of today, the counter shows 565,325 visitors, 893, 521 views and 1,267 posts.

That averages about 90 posts a year or 7.7 posts a month.

The most popular story on the blog in all that time was about being a submariner. (See link below)

I’ve learned a lot about what people like from the popularity of certain subjects. Researching them has been like getting an advanced education in military and naval history.

I can’t tell you how many hours I have spent searching archives for information and data. But I can assure you that it’s been many hours.

Well, thanks for checking the story out today.

I’m working on another one about the navy boot camp experience and the difference over the years. 

Lord willing and the creek don’t rise, I will continue to blog for a few more years. I really appreciate the visits and especially the comments. 

God bless

Mister Mac

 

I’d like to be a submariner. How hard could that be?