OT - Patience, Perspective, and a Wandering Mind

[dave.wilburn]

I joined this list because I was contemplating purchasing a K2.  I
have since purchased the radio, and had more fun building it than I
expected.  I now have a great radio that I can fix, that I am proud
of, and that is considered a standard.  A standard, developed by an
amazing group of people, and built by their customers.  A standard
which drew many current users to the list.

Because of the amazing people that populate this list, I stayed, even
after I had finished the rig.  I marvel at the knowledge and
discussions and history and experience that is here everyday, waiting
for me to read.  At that time the list was populated by those who had
built the rigs, or were going to build them.  They continue to share
their experiences, their knowledge, their laughs, and their smiles.
It isn't about them, it is about helping others experience what they have.

If they did not have patience when they started the project, they
learned about it before they were done.

Many on this list have served their respective countries in admirable
ways.  Many have experienced life away from family and friends.  A
life that benefits the greater good.  Many know what it is like to do
their  part, with little or no news and no idea what the big picture
is.  They know what it is like to wake up, having been dreaming about
their family, only to find themselves in the dark, far from home and
the ones they love.  They do their part, one day at a time, and look
forward to the time when they will return to home and hearth.

If they did not have patience when they started to serve, they learned
about it before it was over.

My youngest son had the opportunity to attend a local public
kindergarten.  Many of the students had special needs.  My son is used
to this as my wife was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis while I was
deployed for Desert Shield, and Desert Storm with the USAF.  We have
been married 21 years, and dealing with the disease for 16 years.  She
is now in a wheelchair.  Thus, it was I that drove my son to school
each day. Each day I had a chance to witness young children getting
off of handicapped buses.  They used wheelchairs and walkers.  They
did not know what life had in store for them, but they came through
those doors in the morning with big smiles on their faces.  Happy to
once again be with their friends and to learn new things.

These young people had patience in bulk.

I learned about the K3, a few days after it was announced.  I was not
following the list as closely then.  The radio was announced on the
27th of April, and my father passed away on the 28th.  He had a great
day. Many friends and family had a chance to visit, he was lively and
enjoyed the day.  He passed that night in his sleep.  My parents had
been married 64 years, and my mom is now in her early 80s and dealing
with a world from a new perspective.  As am I.

On what would have been my father's 84 birthday, Nov. 11, 2007 (I was
12 years old before I found out they were not putting the flags out
for his birthday), I ordered my K3.

On January 28, 2008, my 47th birthday, my oldest son leaves for USMC
boot camp, at Parris Island.  He will learn a thing or two about
patience.  Semper Fi

My point, as others have made, is to keep perspective.  Learn
something new everyday, share it with others that they may learn.  Let
those that count, know you care. Leave the world a little better as a
result.

Take care, and have a great day. 73
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