There is a George Clooney movie called the Perfect Storm. It is a phenomenon that occurs when a series of weather conditions come together simultaneously and cause “all hell to break loose”.
Life’s journey has it’s “perfect storms”. Occasionally there are periods of time that conditions are right for something special to happen. For example, Vince Lombardi came to Green Bay, assembled a group of unique (maybe not the best) football players and created seven years of winning tradition and 5 NFL championships. It was the perfect “football” storm. Even Lombardi knew when it was over. Tiger Woods created 15 years of the most dominant professional golf we will ever see. I think Tiger knows it is over.
Which got me to thinking! Did I ever experience a “perfect storm” in my life?
The early years with your Mom comprised a perfect storm. She was the right person. Our early family was a blessing and somehow through it all I ended up as a young Mechanical Engineer working at Allis-Chalmers. I transitioned from high school to “life” in a blurr. In hindsight, it was all good. If it wasn’t for your Mom, I might be living under a bridge with a grocery cart.
My first job in Sheboygan contained a perfect storm. In a matter of 6-7 years I transitioned from a job in engineering to “top management”. That only happens when conditions are right.
For our family, the “cottage years” became the perfect storm. We had some financial resources and the cottage became a focal point for our family including Nana and Grandpa George (who had always wanted a cottage). Grandpa built an incredible 10 foot square raft, we slowly upgraded to faster motor boats and the cottage got us out of Sheboygan (where it is always cold). Interesting enough, Grasshopper No.5 arrived just as we purchased the first cottage and the perfect storm began.
Lastly, there was the “cookie storm”. I ended up in a company that is every kid’s dream. “My Dad runs a cookie company”. The company improved steadily and several products such as sugar creme wafers created uniqueness. Selling cookies is tough because Nabisco and Keebler “rule”. The company was sold while it had excellent value. The “cookie storm” ended by depositing me in early retirement. It was a fun ride.
I’m not sure I have another “perfect storm” in my life?
Can you relate to a “perfect storm” in your life?
Love,
Dad