The years from 1978-87 were instrumental for me. A young man of 22 moving to Houston from a small farming community in Central Illinois. Arrived wide eyed and awed. I knew even before that trip that things would have to go my way. One thing has never changed. My nature.
Over the next nine years I’d hold eleven jobs. Surprised? Admittedly glib, doing minimal necessary research to talk my way into my next job, and the next, and the next. Fired! I quit! Problems accepting authority! My nature, who the heck would presume to assume authority over a man defining his own life? Making my way through my life.
After the eleventh exit, circa ’87, I faced my personal reality. A community of like minded individuals. Finding freedom under one of the many overpasses dotting the city. All worldly possessions fitting neatly into a shopping cart. That was my plan.
Fate intervened in a saving/cruel twist. Saving with a college education. Cruel at the very hands of my opportunity. I sometimes wonder what might have been otherwise. Cold hard nights to be sure. No big deal.
With that, I’m getting a chance, for a point. I’ll be reporting for the next couple days from the sidewalk in front of the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Houston. The USATF annual meetings. Eschewing financial support from my association and club, I’ll be nestled in with the other “bums”. Free from any restraint. Speaking my truth. My nature.
My colleagues from around the country haven’t been shocked, they’ve known me longer than you. Only a few raised eyebrows when recognizing me as the unshaven and unkempt dude with the “Impeach Hightower” sign.
A warm and sunny day here in Houston. Looking forward to another cold hard night.
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