Warning: The following post was written after at least four (4) beers, so if it doesn’t make sense, it’s the beer. I know what I mean, and I will read this later for coherence.
Having just watched one of the seminal “modern†western movies, I have to say that no other character archetype characterizes the American “typical†personality. Mind you, I use the term typical loosely, but I think I can say that.
The movie is “The Outlaw Josey Wales†and the character is Josey himself. For a “stone cold killer,†he collects an offbeat group of people in spite of his own wishes. Hmmmm, a man that wants to be left alone, is pulled into a war for revenge, and then, slowly builds up a group of friends and family around him.
The independent spirit; open and caring heart are both a part of the so-called American spirit. We all want to be able to have family around us, yet be independent. I know that I do. I keep seeing these characters and realizing that maybe my goals are too high, but I want to live up to the quintessential American character. Maybe, just maybe, I can contribute to some people’s lives in a way that can make them better. I like to think so, and I am sure that some will say that I have, but I won’t know for at least thirty more years.
I guess what I am saying is that I want to make a difference in my friends’ (the family that you choose) lives while I am the best father that I can be for my children, even when one is in Germany.
Again, I won’t know how well I do for a while. I am, however, a patient man, and I can wait for the results of this particular test.
I guess what I am trying to say is that I love my family and my friends, and I want them have the opportunity to be the best people that they can.
