A Real-Life Hero; The life and Legacy of Pat Tillman

I was extremely moved and inspired upon recently reading two books about Pat Tillman. "Where Men Win Glory" by Jon Krakauer and then "Boots on the Ground by Dusk" by Mary Tillman (Pat's incredible mother). I am 29 1/2 years old now and have never been a very focused or driven person, however this last year has been one of tremendous personal growth. I traveled abroad for 5 months last year in developing nations and that really opened my eyes to life beyond our country. Then i read these books and learned about this amazing guy, Pat Tillman. He made a big difference in the lives of many, and most of all he lived his life to the fullest. He is inspiring me daily to do the same. I'm starting by working out every other day, and pushing my body harder than i ever have. It had been over 10 years since i worked out. I feel stronger then ever, both physically and mentally.

And now i am pursuing a new career in line with my values. I want to help take care of the earth full time. For me that means taking this year to learn more about organic farming. Pat's legacy is a constant source of fuel to keep me going and make my goals come true, and to always think positive. Thank you most of all to him and secondly to those who brought his whole story to the public. I encourage every one to read up about Pat. And most of all to never give up. As Pat might say, if it's not hard its not worth doing.

http://www.amazon.com/Boots-Ground-Dusk-Tribute-Tillman/dp/1594868808

http://www.amazon.com/Where-Men-Win-Glory-Odyssey/dp/030738604X/ref=pd_sim_b_1

A shape only you can make

As I sit here in the quaint and windy town of Oceanside, OR in a little coffee shop with the great name "Brewin' in the Wind". My friend Tojo sits next to me jabbing at his iphone. The photo at right he took of me when we discovered the raging flood stage torrent known as Hug Falls on the beach of the same name (just south of Cannon Beach). The weather is stormy, perfect for brooding. The waves are crashing, churning up white sea foam like a bad cappuccino. Sky- blue sky valiantly appears sporadically in broad swathes just above a dense scroll of cloud on the horizon.

As i contemplate how to capture the scenery both around me and the storm within me, i recall an incredible poem

my Aunt Pam gave me this past summer as i was making last minute preparations to leave Seattle to road trip across the USA then backpack S. America and SE Asia. I meant to post it to my blog as a sort of prologue, but it slipped my mind until now, half a year later. It seems even more resonant even now as I reflect on my journeys and how they affected me (and continue to).

Goodbye Poem to Nick as he Embarks on World Travels

There's an infinite tug some mornings

it can make you want to weep

a beautiful stretch of a cry

that is fixed deep down

but has the wings of a pale moth.

We often forget it's okay

to not know, not complete,

reverse, lean back.

The daisies on the back deck dip and

swirl creating new lines looking for

the sun, I think.

What is new in our ancient

footpath? I hear the submarine

sounds of stressed metal as the

garbage trucks make their rounds

this morning. It's a twisting symphony

of who we are.

It's comforting in a close way to follow

your own lines.

To sweat it out like a fever.

It's yours like the crystalline juice

from the slug's trail.

A shape only you can make.

--Pam O.

7/5/10

Welcome to the year 2011, my year of 'Help-iness'

Its been a remarkable year for this here Nicholas D. Thomas. Starting way back on January 12th I have been on the road. first working inventorying telephone poles in Yakima for 2 months. then off to do the same in Pasco for a month and a half, then on to Aberdeen area and then finishing up in June in Ocean Shores, a fitting conclusion to a year and a half of walking and riding my bike all around the great state of Washington, my home territory. And i got to know it alot better too, walking every street and alley and driving every rural road in all those Wire Centers (regions), GPSing all the utility poles for Qwest and Alden Systems. Lots of time alone to think, and lots of fresh air and exercise, walking and riding my trusty big red bike, and many books listened to and music too. Then in June i finished up work and watched a grand sunset over the Pacific Ocean from my balcony overlooking the vast beach and breakers of Ocean Shores. And then i prepared to leave on my travels around the world, a goal i've carried as a dream since boyhood. to wander around the earth with my camera, journal, and eye's and heart wide open. On July 5th i left on that trip. Drove across the great US of A with my dear friend Lindsay clear to Birmingham, Alabama, dropped in to say hello to my employers, Alden Systems, who were located in that great southern city and whom i'd only previously spoken with over the phone for almost 2 years. then i flew to NYC to meet my Dad and spent 2 days visiting my great Uncle Ted and Great Aunt Sharlie in Warminster, PA then hit up New York for 4 days with the old man, my dear old Pa, Greg Nick Thomas. Then on the handy date of July 20th (my 29th birthday) I flew from JFK to Belem, Brazil via Miami, Aruba, & Suriname.

I spent 2 months in South America, bussed from Rio to Bolivia, spent a month there, then 2 weeks in Peru.

then 2 week layover in WA State before heading off to Asia.

Spent a month in Thailand then off to 2 weeks in Cambodia, a week in Laos,and 10 days in China! Then,after being abroad for almost 5 months, i flew from Chengdu, China back to Seattle and Spokane to spend the holidays with friends and family,and to take a much needed vacation from my vacation :)

And to get back to work on something, too.

What is that 'something'? You'll just have to wait to see!

your biggest fan,

-Nick

P. S. Be true to your soul, always, whatever you end up doing. But here's to dream worked for and accomplished with resounding success! I am proud of my self, and that is something no one can ever take away (or give to me, for that matter). Thanks to all my friends and family who supported me and helped me save the money and keep the Big Goal in my sights. No man is an island!