
Recently Kathy and I took a celebratory trip to my old stomping grounds around Groton, CT (where I was last stationed before mistake-wife pressured me into getting out of the Navy). As the train drew nearer to the station in New London, Kathy remarked that my grin became bigger and bigger. In many ways, even with the changes that I could see had happened, the years fell away, and I was once again a 24-year-old man given the responsibility to manage a nuclear power plant on a ballistic missile submarine.
We spent six wonderful days exploring the area (one of the necessary stops, of course, was at the Submarine Museum next to the sub base in Groton and visiting the Nautilus) and I have never felt so relaxed in far too long. Despite a somewhat nightmarish trip up from North Carolina (that I covered in a different blog), for six wonderful days, we explored the area, and I saw it through new eyes. It is a beautiful area filled with history and every night I fell asleep early and slept like the proverbial baby.
Who am I? What are the positives that make up the person that I am?

Another aspect of my life is my love of photography; a talent that I have combined with the volunteer organizations I’ve become involved with to help tell their story. I am very thankful for the advent of digital photography and the excellent photo imaging software that is available for free as that not only enables me to take many photos but to process them for little more than the cost of electricity needed. Thankfully Kathy has provided income enough for me to purchase a starter camera that enables me to do more that shoot pictures with my smarter-than-me phone (another marvel that happened while I was ‘away’). While in no way seeking to portray myself as a professional, it is a hobby that enables me to explore not only the world around me but the creative spark that is inside of me as well.
Yes, there is much more to Tony than the period from September 11, 1987, to May 11, 2011; while many (most?) would want to continue to rub my nose in it, it is past, and my hope and desire are to move forward. A song from Phillips, Craig & Dean puts it well and I will close this with the beautiful lyrics from that song that has done so much to help me move forward:
"Tell Your Heart To Beat Again"
Forgiven
If only you’d forgive yourself
You’ve been made new
But you’re standing where you fell
Because when you look in the mirror
It seems like all you ever see
Are the scars of every failure
And the you that you used to be
Tell your heart to beat again
Close your eyes and breathe it in
Let the shadows fall away
You’ll live to love another day
Yesterday’s a closing door
And you don’t live there anymore
So say goodbye to where you’ve been
And tell your heart to beat again
Forgiven
Just let that word wash over you
It’s all right now
Love’s healing hands have pulled you through
So, get back up and take step one
And now you’re new life has begun
And know that if the Son has set you free
Then you are free indeed!
Tell your heart to beat again
Close your eyes and breathe it in
Let the shadows fall away
You’ll live to love another day
Yesterday’s a closing door
And you don’t live there anymore
So say goodbye to where you’ve been