Some Probable Causes

The following undoubtedly contributed to many of the outcomes expressed throughout my adult life, along with some inattention, obliviousness, perversity, perhaps some laziness, and just plain stupidity on my part. C’est la vie.

Martial Arts, music, finding my own artistic voice, and (later as I’ve aged) painting have been the major pursuits that have given me purpose and meaning. They may have also cost me (at least partially) more than one marriage and other relationships… martial arts, probably more so than any of the others. But that study and the philosophies associated with it were responsible for my ability to survive the rougher, more soul-crushing ordeals of my life. My pursuit of originality has been “interesting” as well. The problem, of course, has been supporting myself and family in the midst of these pursuits. To be fair, my relationship partners, whether wife or live-in girlfriend, have contributed and helped out as able. 

So, I am where I am because of my life’s choices, as you, my descendants, will be because of yours. While it’s true that my choices influenced the childhoods of my children and our family life, your potentials will be expressed through your own choices in turn. Some people can learn from the mistakes of others, while some of us never seem to, and must learn from a harsher mistress, experience. I have been one of the latter.

I must stipulate here that our family life was not determined solely by my choices, but they were certainly a strong influence – don’t want to give myself too much credit here. Examination of the economy, politics, and society that formed our family’s backdrop is also necessary.

–LE