A Journey is Just a Circle

In the dictionary, the word journey is defined by this simple sentence; an act of traveling from one place to another. Yet in reality, a journey is defined by those closest to you who help you along the way. On Tuesday, January 12, 2010, in Nashville, TN, I sat fidgeting in my chair like a nervous little boy as I waited for my turn to receive the Photographic Craftsman Degree from the PPA at the National Convention.

I had completed one part of a journey, but, if we go back to the definition, we find that a true journey has no end point. The journey is about traveling from one place to another. As I impatiently awaited my turn on the side of the stage, I knew deep inside that the journey was still at the beginning. I saw visions as my heart turned into a pow wow drum. It was so loud that I no longer heard words. The full bloods were kicking up a song. I heard Monte giggle and saw his infectious smile. I saw Dana Barnes and heard him say, "It's about time namesake". Both have already left this world, but both exist in my heart. As we walked across to the spot where PPA President Ron Nichols stood, I heard all my friends chanting ( in a rather non-syncopated fashion I might add), "Tonto, Tonto, Tonto". As we reached the spot, I saw my dear friend John Metcalfe smiling with an elven gleam in his eyes while he reached over my head to hang the medallion. I embraced him tightly for two reasons. First, I was so honored to have him with me an secondly, I thought my knees might buckle. As we walked down the ramp, he congratulated me and handed me a gift. It was a simple token, in fact a wooden drink chip, but it had great meaning. Two years before, he had flown out and stayed with me while doing an educational program for our affiliate section. We went out for a few beverages to celebrate his success at a favorite spot of mine, the Rio in Frewsburg. Handing that chip back to me signified that our journey travels in circles. Sometimes, they are big circles, sometimes, they are small. But, we are always traveling from one place to another and I am so thankful for the friends and loved ones who guide the way.