This post really is about Bigfoot research. It just may not be immediately apparent.
Sometimes, things happen in our lives that cause us to stop dead in our tracks and take stock. We come to a crossroads; we get blindsided and end up reevaluating everything. Everything we’ve done, everything we are… and where we’re going from here.
To loosely paraphrase Forrest Gump – Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know which ones will be sweet, and which ones will leave a bad taste in your mouth. (I know that’s not exactly what he said, but it wouldn’t be the first time I’ve misquoted a movie.)
Anyway, something happened recently. Many somethings, actually. It seems like, in the last month or so, my metaphorical box of chocolates was suddenly filled with all manner of really disturbing things… and I’ve come to the conclusion that some things should just never, ever be covered in chocolate and marketed as such. *grin*
All of these events have caused me to stop and reevaluate what is important in my life - and why. Which brings me around to the subject of Bigfoot, which is what this blog is about, after all.
I do this – all of it: the website, the research, the blog – because I love it. It’s my passion. This subject is in my blood; it has been that way my whole life, because my family experienced things when I was a child that few people will ever experience and even fewer people understand. Whether those events caused me to seek, or whether I was simply born a seeker, I don’t know. But I know that this is a lifelong commitment for me… and I’m fine with that.
The road hasn’t been an easy one. Not everyone understands what I do or why I do it. In the 20+ years that I’ve immersed myself in this subject, I’ve been laughed at more times than I can count for doing what I do. I’ve encountered people who really don’t care about the subject, and some who are threatened by it. I’ve dealt with more personalities and politics than most politicians. I’ve become discouraged and have even thought of walking away at times.
But I can’t.
The thought that there are still mysteries left in this world thrills me. Sharing glimpses of those mysteries with others who appreciate them is deeply fulfilling to me. I love what I do and I often get the chance to do what I love.
Someday, I’d like to wake up in the morning, open my eyes, stretch, and be able to say, “Wow. I finally understand what Bigfoot is. NOW what do I do today?” *grin* But the journey, to me, is just as important as the destination, because along the way I meet a lot of wonderful people, share the thrill of the search with those who care, and experience a wonderful comaradarie with folks who, like me, are open and curious about the world we live in and are not threatened by things they don’t understand or can’t control.
I wanted to thank all of you who have emailed me in the last few days in response to the blog invitations. Your expressions of encouragement, support and kindness have meant so much, especially in light of all of the challenges lately. I’m glad to be back, too. I’ve missed you, and appreciate all of you more than you know.
Autumn
