Where I come from...

I spent Labor Day weekend (and a few added days) at home in Pojoaque. That’s the name of the little town where I was raised. It’s just north of Santa Fe in the valley between the Sangre de Cristo and Jemez mountains.

This visit home was different than most others. It was different in a good way and for many reasons I suppose… maybe it's because I've never seen Santa Fe blooming with wild flowers (they've received more rain this summer than ever in recorded history)... or maybe it's because the weather was so amazing (especially so in contrast with what Dallas had been like)... or maybe it’s because I had the opportunity to see people I’d not seen since I was in High School. I got to drink Margaritas with my friend James – something we’ve not done together since before we could do so legally.

I also got to witness the swearing in of two Air Force Lieutenant Colonel’s – one was a guy I’ve known since I was 5 years old – the other was his wife. What an honor it was for me to be present for that ceremony. I was so proud of Carlos… and listening to him speak, I was reminded of many of the reasons I am so proud to have been raised in the Pojoaque Valley.

Carlos talked of many of the people, places and things that he has experienced during his tenure in the Air Force. He was in the Pentagon on 9/11 – thankfully on the other side of the building. He spoke about faith and courage and perseverance and honesty and countless other virtues. He attributed his success – not just in his military career, but also in life – to his parents, his family and other members of the community. He said, “How can I not succeed when I have been surrounded with people like you my whole life?”

He talked about how people influence us, even when we – or they – don’t know it. He talked about my mom and her influence in his life. My mom was his Den Mother in Cub and then Boy Scouts… she also managed the local grocery store and in many ways has helped and continues to help the community. This is where I come from… this is the community in which I was raised. Carlos helped me realize that many of these same people have had a tremendous influence on the person I am. They’ve all left indelible mark on my character.