As a child, I asked:
What existed before time?
What happens when the last star dies?
What makes a life worth remembering?
I still cannot answer them all, only tell you what shaped me.
My mother taught me practical love without praise.
My maternal grandparents, lifelong love.
My father taught me fitness, medicine, determination—and that a temper destroys all.
Chin, Tan, Roman, and Ernie showed me the nobility of protecting others and the value of men.
History revealed that collective power ensures survival; duty, loyalty, heritage, sacrifice, stoicism, courage, and mastery give it purpose.
Work proved that creativity, organization, and excellence are winning's prerequisites.
Life reminded me that truth, humility, wisdom, and genuine character matter.
Like this page, I remain unfinished.
To see how these ideas become art:
