What a long Strange Trip It's Been

 

 This week marks my 20th year in Japan and ten years living in the same house and town--the longest I have ever lived anywhere. As I walked the dog last night and looked up to see the moon behind a cloud shaped much like the map of Canada, especially Quebec, I reflected on my experience.  I realize I have come nowhere near the dreams, goals and aspirations that I set out with. I seem, indeed, astronomically far from them.  Yet, paradoxically I am closer to them than ever.  I have achieved things I never thought I would.  Like all humans, no doubt, I have let myself down at times, morally or ethically, harming those I love most and being more a burden to the planet than a benefit. However, I have also at times been exemplary in thought and action and stood up against oppression of others. I have taught thousands of students, and helped countless among them towards their dreams.  I have experienced joys and pains too many to numerate. I find myself with so much, and yet at times feel so empty.  Some days I cannot help but feel so intellectually alone in a distant land, and other times so spiritually rich with friends and family.  I guess my life can best be summed up  by the Grateful Dead lyrics: "Sometimes the lights are all shining on me.  Other times, I can barely see. Lately, it occurred to me, what a long strange trip it's been."

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