Jon Shonebarger

Throughout the annals of history there have been iconic individuals who have inspired others to dream impossible dreams. Their indomitable spirit, passion, energy, and fearless acts stirred the spirits of people paralyzed by doubt and inaction. Their ability to awaken sleeping giants distinguishes them as head and shoulders above their peers. Everything rises and falls on visionary leadership.

The family had arrived from around the country to reunite and enjoy a long weekend together. It had been several years since they had last gathered for granny’s funeral, and everyone’s heart was eager to reconnect. Once the visual roll call had been made, comments about the new family additions were shared. It was amazing to see how much the young’uns had grown and to hear one another’s views of whom they most favored in appearance.

The rite of passage beckoned every September after Labor Day. A couple weeks prior to the dreaded moment, fear enveloped my thoughts. There was no way to escape nor an alternative route to choose. Unfortunately, the long, boney, fickle finger of fate was pointing directly at me. My impending doom awaited.

The rite of passage beckoned every September after Labor Day. A couple weeks prior to the dreaded moment, fear enveloped my thoughts. There was no way to escape nor an

The early morning summer sun radiated brightly across the countryside. Birds were heard in the distance singing melodic overtures. The ambiance of nature’s majesty filled your senses, awakening you to a new day of opportunity and happiness. On this picture-perfect day, the family had planned to caravan in three cars in quest of old abandoned farmhouses.

It had become a family ritual. The Sunday afternoon drive throughout the county was carefully planned during the week and was always eagerly anticipated. The route was always different. Before Global Positioning Systems and websites, my parents were reliant upon a thick phonebook that contained numerous maps of our town’s streets as well as the rural routes.

It has been commonly projected that the average adult makes 33,000 to 35,000 total decisions daily. From the clothes you wear to the food you eat to how you answer questions, there is a plethora of thoughts that cross your mind where you must choose a resolution. To further complicate the process, one decision will typically have a domino effect on previous intertwined choices.

Our lives hadn’t been the same for a long time.

My body clock forbade the coveted sleep I had intentionally scheduled. The habit of rising early in the morning beckoned me even on vacation. After incessant tossing and turning in an unfamiliar bed, I reluctantly arose and headed to the kitchenette to make coffee.

Many of my fondest childhood memories are centered around family camping trips. Our numerous state parks provided a wide range of options from which to choose. Typically, two camping trips were planned each summer that would include my maternal grandparents, two aunts, an uncle as well as my mom, dad and sister. We would load up early on a Friday afternoon and caravan to the weekend respite.