Casserole Conversations Part 2

It’s me, Carl. “Carl the Casserole Man”

as Amelia has dubbed me. She’s quite a firecracker, the whirlwind that swirled this group together this evening. Amelia loves to hear stories, gathering intel, as I would say, for her various studies. As I sit here amongst my friends I’m overwhelmed with a sense of nostalgia with a sprinkle of “déjà vu” if you will. I didn’t think I would ever feel this level of comradery again in my life. Seasons of life, rain or shine, have bonded us all by its mutual weathering.

Amelia, I’m assuming you know based on the fact you’ve placed an original Thunderer Air Ministry Whistle from Vietnam by my plate, that I was in the military for much of my life. The regiment, order and controlled chaos of army life made sense and steadied me. At some point in our lives, we have all discovered, knowingly or unknowingly, the rhythm that complements our life’s melody – Amelia found it in her anthropological explorations. She makes sense of the world and her surroundings through her studies, analysis, and experiences. The army best fit my tempo and has influenced many of my life choices and direction.

I have crawled through the jungle with my brothers in arms

hung haphazardly out of a Huey while on reconnaissance missions. These experiences in part equipped me with the Army values of loyalty, duty, respect, courage – to name a few – and would inform my actions in other chapters of my life.

I’ve kissed my sweetheart who waited for me during deployments and married her in my hometown. I’ve swung a giggling 4-year-old through the air, held a weeping teen close during her first heartbreak and walked her down the aisle to her one true love. I’ve lost the job, gained the promotion. I’ve held my Love’s hand of 55 years and said goodbye.

We are all bonded by Mutual Weathering.

So what drew me here, you ask? Why did I choose to make this place, a beautiful community full intriguing personalities and heavily candled birthday cakes, my home? Well, Amelia I would say you’re spot on with your gift. The Thunderer whistle was given to airmen so that they could alert their fellow soldiers when they were in need, they would be surrounded by their brothers in arms as soon as the whistle was blown. By coming to this community, I have blown my whistle. I want to be surrounded by community. To settle in a place of understanding, with folks who have lived their lives to the fullest but still have room for dessert and a second fork for me to join them. A place where my regimented military background is appeased with a reliable schedule while my independence and spontaneity are encouraged and rewarded. I’ve blown my whistle and have let go of the stressors that come with bearing life all on one’s own and am resting in the comfort of my community.