Life should be defined by what we are for, not what we are against. ~ Don Robison, CDR, USCG Retired
A good friend of mine just published a book of stories. Each of these stories hold a special meaning and a little bit of “inside joke” to someone who has spent some time on the seas. You might wonder, what does this have to do with the theme of the site? Two things. First, I think Don is a great storyteller and you’ll actually enjoy this. Second, he’s finishing his post-graduate stuff in Instructional Design at Old Dominion University and is doing some really cool research into the connections between aesthetic and motivation. So, there’s definitely a connection.
He’s made a sample of three stories available for download. You can also buy the book here (Amazon) or here (Create Space). My lovely wife made the cover and all of the illustrations for the book.
This is the first story from the book and the sample. I love the conclusion and the motto that follows the end of the story. Not only is it an expression of a perfect motto. It also exposes the heart and character of the author – a man of passion, compassion, and the just right perspective.
In these times where we regularly see one citizen pitted against another in a verbal battle of ideals, I think this message could bring a little bit of sanity to the debate.
I hope you enjoy these as much as I did.
THE INTERVIEW
I suspected the interview would be tough from the beginning. LT Sellar grinned at me, cast an amused glance at his two colleagues, and asked the first question: “Now, Mr. Robison, why do you want to be a Coast Guard officer besides…” and here he looked down at my application essay and read from it; “…feeling the wind in your hair and salt spray on your face?” Continue reading Life should be defined by what we are for, not what we are against.
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