Dear Friends...

I haven't posted a blog in ages... But this is SO worth posting... AMAZINGLY heartfelt words from the love of my life...

 Dear Friend,
      This week, Amy and I are taking off on our dream vacation. She's always wanted to visit Paris, and I haven't been back there since our kids were born. I must admit that sometimes I feel like a bit of a charlatan, teaching students about places and events which I have never experienced. I've yet to dine on the Eiffel Tower, celebrate Bastille Day in France, swim in the Mediterranean on the French Riviera. All of these experiences and so many more will be realized over the next few weeks. It is an opportunity that we have looked forward to since our marriage…we originally wanted to go for our 10th anniversary. Money Matters made us wait until our 13th.
     While excitement abounds here at Chez Rookey, there is always that kernel of fear somewhere inside of us. More than one family member or friend is worried that, "your flight is 8 hours!", "you're going to Paris!", or, "you're not getting off the boat in Turkey, are you?" All of the above are true. As for the first, statistically it is far more dangerous for me to drive to work each morning than it is to fly. In regards to the latter two, I've always felt that one incident does not a city make. Millions still flock to Orlando and NYC, despite the nightclub shooting and September 11th. Rest assured that I am Human, and I also have some uncertainty in the back of my mind as well. Anything can happen at any time. As a man of Faith, I've always believed that when it's my time, it's my time. Who am I to fight Fate?
      That being said, I've never been one to let the terrorists win. When we stop traveling, stay at home, fear people from other cultures…they win. I'm far too American to stand by and let that happen. Mark Twain said that, "travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness". This is what I teach my students. I love learning about other cultures. I am fortunate enough to speak three languages fairly fluently. I look forward to the challenge of getting by in France and Spain, and moving on to countries where we do not speak the language… Italy, Greece, Turkey. I do not fear what awaits us on the other side of The Pond. This is what I was meant to do…for my wife, for myself, for my students.
     And if something should go wrong? Well, perhaps this is my chance to "go viral". Me, the man who never once owned a cell phone, never sent a single text, never Tweeted! As many of you know, I am a true Gamer. Video games, card games, board games…I love putting my mind and my digits to the test. The Bloodhound Gang have a song in which they state that, "Life is a game that no one wins".  I beg to differ. I like to think that I've  played the game of Life well, and that I've won. I've never known hunger, poverty, depression, or serious illness. I have known a stable family, love, fatherhood, friendship, and a fulfilling career. Through 38 years I have lived a relatively regret-free existence. Were I to do it again, I would make the same choices. They're what led me here, to this keyboard, today.
      Of course, I didn't  get to this point by myself. I owe everything to my parents, family, friends, and Baxter. If we truly want to Make America Great Again, we should take a page from the Mike and Diane Rookey playbook. They provided me with three key essentials that successful people need. 1: A stable family: one that never turns their backs on each other, even in times of upheaval or crisis. 2: A strong work ethic: no handouts, no pity parties. Everything earned is so much better than everything given. 3: Faith. I don't care if it's in Jesus, Atheism, or Pastafarianism (it's a thing…look it up)…we all have to believe in something. I've chosen to place mine in Catholicism, God, Jesus. No fan of Country Music am I, but I remember a song from the '90's by Aaron Tippin that seems apropos. He said, "You've got to stand for something, or you'll fall for anything. You've got to be your own man- not a puppet on a string. Never compromise what's right, and uphold your Family Name. You've got to stand for something, or you'll fall for anything".
     I thank God every day for the family that He provided me. No matter what happens, I know that Amy and I have provided Brandon and Dana with these same tools for success. And if they're living in our basement 20 years from now? We'll love them just the same.
      Thank you, Dear Friend, for coming along for the ride. I hope to see you, to share a laugh and a beer, when we get home from our trip. If for some reason that won't work out, here's what my favorite rocker, Ozzy Osbourne, would say: "God knows I'll see you…see you on the Other Side".
Jason Michael"Rook" Rookey
 July 6th, 2016