Road Trip Sparks Sacrifice

What issues are important for you to sacrifice your personal time these days?     

“Acts of sacrifice and decency without regard to what’s in it for you creates a ripple effect. One’s that lifts up families and communities, that spreads opportunity.” (Barack Obama)    

I’ve often heard the phrase that it’s the little things that we do that make us feel good about ourselves. So I wonder deeply how I might improve our current travels by committing more closely to this principle in an unselfish way. Keep in mind that for every road trip Ruth and I accomplish, we often return to familiar places from previous visits that entertain our favorite interests at the time. But what if we reframed such devotion to music, sports, history, and wild nature in the spirit of giving back to others our time, knowledge, and effort more?      

So what personal tools do I currently possess  that might enhance my ability to sustain such a benevolent effort during our upcoming adventure to and from Colorado on the road? ( see title map above  ). Consider for instance that I’ve gotten quite good at utilizing my phone camera in opportune moments to document where and when I’ve been. But I would like to share these photos in more intimate social situations beyond the gossipy social media realm. Or while I’ve managed  to drive long distances from city to city with casual efficiency, what difference could it make if I stopped more often in smaller communities for a breather, feeling willing to lend a helping hand? Observing little need to burden myself, as well, with those pompous expectations of my past college professor days, I now desire to more be genuine with others in free forums of issue related discussion. 

Know then I’ve compiled a list of  self sacrifice opportunities planned during this upcoming journey as briefly described below.

1. Arlington, Texas – Rally For Needed Political Action 

The appearance of “Pink” spreads a high spirited  message of love, unity and diversity’s call. So it’s incumbent of Ruth and I to come early and arrive late at her scheduled  concert at Globe Life Field next month to similarly gather with like minded people who rebel against the heartlessly angered impact  of MAGA Republican political viewpoints impacting this country in recent years.

2. Colorado Springs,Colorado – Honor My Father’s Military Service  

I’m the son of a former Airborne  hero who flew multiple, dangerous missions over Europe in a Flying Fortress (B-17) aircraft during World War II. Yet I currently know very little about his military training and how he survived during those harrowing times. So upon completing a self guided tour of the U.S. Air Force Academy, I seek to share what I’ve learned of my father’s Air Force connection with close family and friends. 

3. New Orleans, Louisiana – Spread Awareness Of Traveling Safely

Any tourist visitor to the raucous vicinity of “The French Quarter” in New Orleans should be acutely aware of the dangers of vulnerable of false ad scams, pickpocketing, and other forms of street crime that could happen there. Consider for example those potential victims who seem oblivious to their surroundings as they stare at their street maps or I phone devices when walking into crowded places in Bourbon Street at night. Thus I seek to share timely advice with such strangers I unexpectedly meet who look lost or inattentive in potential crime ridden places during our scheduled weekend visit with hope they will thereupon keep their eyes and ears open to avoid becoming such innocent victims of crime.   

4. Cleveland Ohio –  Keep The Magic of Cleveland Baseball Alive 

With my favorite MLB baseball team, the Cleveland Guardians guaranteed home field advantage in the upcoming playoffs, I’m psyched about the likely opportunity to be a spectator for game five or six of the American Conference series  at Progressive Field during our next road trip. With so many enthusiastic Guardian fans, young and old, cheering in unison for a big win during these pivotal games,  I’m confident there will be plenty of opportunities to spread positive energy through story telling I recall of  famed player accomplishments I’ve witnessed in my lifetime. 

5. Steamboat Springs, Colorado –  Donate Free Time To An Eco-Friendly Cause

A strong appreciation for the natural beauty of the Rocky Mountain entices us to return to the secluded valley of Steamboat Springs each autumn. Yet with current threats of wildfire spread, drought likelihood, and poorer water quality escalating recently,  I’ll be on the look out for volunteer opportunities promoted at the local  public library to help keep the ecology of it’s important Yampa River corridor healthily “green.