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07/06/2006: "Net Worth"

I want to give a shout out to Jeanette’s cousin Rick Gunn. He is an amazing man with an independent spirit unlike any I know. He is a travel journalist and photographer. I have done some solo world traveling, backpacking and spent a night alone on top of El Capitan. All these experiences brought me closer to myself and helped me to discover the important things in life. But these experiences pale in comparison to what Rick is going through these days.

Rick has decided to ride a bike around the world. He started out here in the San Francisco area one year ago and after traveling 10,000 miles, in temperatures ranging from zero to 107 degrees and a couple of bikes and replacement parts later, he is now facing the Silk Road entering Indo China. I encourage you to check his progress, writings and images at www.rickgunnphotography.com.

As Rick and I parallel each other with our journeys of struggle, hardship and inner discovery, we have come to the same conclusion. This year he has seen so many amazing things and met an incredible variety of people. And of all those treasures, which one is it that he has learned he cherishes the most? What is it that you tally up at the end of your life to really count your net worth? We have both come to understand that it is our friends and family that matter the most. And it is not the sheer number, but the quality of those relationships.

I have been thinking a great deal about a person’s legacy here on earth. The word comes from the Medieval Latin word legatio meaning to bequeath. There are those like my father who loves to build. He has built houses, cars and beautiful furniture. These will last well past his lifetime and into many others. There are photographers like Rick or painters like my teaching pal Dave Miller who capture beautiful images to be enjoyed for years to come.

But for them and the rest of us, it is the people we touch. It is the relationships we have with others that make them a better person and allows them to pass on that beauty to others. In this way, our friendship and good deeds take on an exponential effect. And still flourish long after we are gone. It is the reason I went into teaching. That is our legacy. Maybe it is even a key to the meaning of our existence here.

Replies: 4 Comments

on Monday, July 24th, karen roesling said

Hey Rock ..long time no see..Let's take the jetskis on the Bay or to the Delta.I need some air..maybe you too ..
xox KAREN

on Monday, July 24th, karen roesling said

Hey Rock ..long time no see..Let's take the jetskis on the Bay or to the Delta.I need some air..maybe you too ..
xox KAREN

on Monday, July 10th, Angie said

Hi Doug! I've been meaning to write forever. I look forward to reading your journals, and want to sincerely thank you for taking on the risks that come with sharing such private topics, including simply making time to write when you probably don't always feel like it. You are a blessing and I have learned so much! Keep it up. What you are doing here is influencing a lot of people's lives and knowing that is something no one can take away from you. Please let me know if there is anything we can do to help - lord knows I am in my car way too much these days (such is the life of a mom with two small kids as you know) and I can easily run some errands for you and Jeanette.

on Monday, July 10th, Dave said

Doug,
Your trip has indeed allowed you a respite from contact with the outside world. Sharing your world with Nick and getting out in nature hopefully were the best medicine at this time. You are on mine and Mary's minds all the time. As a teacher, summer used to be the time for rejuvenation and contemplation, as the whirl of the school year rarely allows for that. I know your own thoughts are more complex and profound than any that have pricked our worlds, given the battle you are going through. Know that the power of healing is just as complex and profound. Your journey through the mind and body has given us all a clearer perspective on the importance of the daily experience, the contact with loved ones and the importance of saying what is on your mind. I am heading west in early August and hope we can make that contact of which I speak.

We love you,

Dave and Mary