The Best Youthful Experiences: Woodland Escapades, Lifesaving Journeys, and Overseas Adventures

As Mogue requested, I will share some of the most significant experiences from my youth. These events have left a lasting impact on my life and continue to provide cherished memories.

The Joy of Woodland Escapades

Growing up, one of the best things that happened to me was having woods behind my parents' backyard. In the winter, my father and I would take a toboggan to gather firewood for our fireplace. We often roasted marshmallows and cooked sausages on sticks. In the summer, I built a treehouse in the same woods, where I would spend hours playing with friends. Both winter and summer adventures in the woods were filled with fun, laughter, and cherished moments with family and friends.

A Lifesaving Evacuation

At the age of seven, I was evacuated with my elder brother and mother from an African country. One sunny afternoon playing in my sandpit, I was told I had only 10 minutes to gather my essentials before being bundled into the back of a LandRover for the journey to the local airport. The rainy season had begun, and halfway there, we encountered a flooded bridge. I was lifted onto the shoulder of a man and carried across to the other side. We escaped to the UK, unsure if we would ever see my father again. Two months later, on a damp, foggy November night, my mother arrived at a friend's house and took me out early. As I later discovered, my father, alive and well, had arrived! The joy and elation of that reunion were unforgettable.

An Overseas Assignment and a Lifetime Bond

At 18, I was in the Air Force attending the U.S. Air Force Nuclear Weapons Specialist School at Lowery Air Force Base in Denver, Colorado. My classmates were assigned to various stateside locations. My assignment, however, was to England, where I spent three years. The experience of traveling extensively and seeing much of Europe was invaluable. My last two months in England, I met my future wife. She was spending the summer there, and we ended up marrying 10 years after our first meeting. We have been married for over 30 years now, a testament to the luck and serendipity of that overseas assignment.

Conclusion

Reflecting on these youth experiences, it is evident that they have shaped my life in profound ways. The woodland escapades, the lifetimes journey, and the overseas adventure all hold a special place in my heart. They are a reminder that life is full of unexpected wonders and that every moment counts.