It’s All About Love
October 31, 2007 | by brett | Permalink
“We Americans have so many grave problems to solve, many threatening evils to fight, and many deeds to do, if, as we hope and believe, we have the wisdom, the strength, and the courage and the virtue to do them. But we must face facts as they are. We must neither surrender ourselves to a foolish optimism, nor succumb to a timid and ignoble pessimism…” Forum, 1894 “What Americanism Means.” Theodore Roosevelt. In, EM 480.
After giving my copy of Atlas Shrugged to Zach a while back, I stole his copy of The Rise and Fall of Theodore Roosevelt. The biography, by Edmund Morris, is wonderful, accessible and eloquent. In the context of PTP, Teddy Roosevelt was a wanderer, answering the call to adventure constantly throughout his distinguished life.
He was also an egomaniac, but seemingly selfless in his contributions to society and his family. It is that selflessness that has struck a chord. This trip, driven by its characters, would not have succeeded save for selfless acts by all parties involved. Zach sleeps anywhere. Brett is a flexible scheduler. Jay is incredibly generous.
In the building of fraternal relationships it is important not to lose sight of man’s individualist tendencies. For four months, with varying complexity, individualism has been all but abandoned, replaced by a collective mind, happiness and sense of accomplishment. This is something Teddy never grasped.
For a man who considers himself independent, I have come to rely entirely on the three men around me. I see myself in the reflection of their eyes. I hear my thoughts in the context of what they say. I live my life only as they live theirs, sharing in success, failure, elation and sadness. In understanding my companions, I have lived this trip four times, infinitely more than a man-as-an-island could.
Recently, someone noticed that I have yet to drive the RV. In my own defense, I consider myself entirely too crazy to spend long hours under any kind of stress; I have what some call delicate sensibilities. Driving hunched, white-knuckled and blind in a New Jersey thunderstorm is best left to a person of stronger mental fortitude, more competent during six-hour, nervous, self-assessment.
But Zach and Brett (Puppy and the Captain) have become entirely comfortable behind the wheel, carrying our crew through Oregon, Delaware, Georgia, Texas and now, home. I am so grateful to them, for ensuring our safety and for taking the responsibility so willingly. Without drivers, we’d be in Phoenix. Whatever my contribution to PTP, it holds not a candle to what they have done.
I write this without pretense of humor to say just how much I have come to love and respect my fellow travelers. Brett, Zach and Jay have made this trip a once in a lifetime experience, that no one can ever take away from me. I appreciate them so earnestly, for everything they are and are not, and for everything they’ve allowed me to be.
Cheers, to wisdom, strength, courage and virtue, and the defeat of ignoble pessimism. Cheers to the fate that brought me here, and to those with whom I have been brought.
xo
Noah Pollock
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THERE ARE 6 RESPONSES TO THIS INTERVIEW
Jay Whiting Says:
October 31st, 2007
Loving you is easy ’cause you’re beautiful.
Eric Says:
October 31st, 2007
Noah,
I did not have the opportunity to meet you in Nashville, but I feel as if I know you as I read what you write. You have a gift with words and passion that runs deep.
Take this gift and the experiences you had with your fellow comrades and fly.
What a great post.
Eric
Steve Says:
November 2nd, 2007
You talked about your team, but I will add you have a “silver pen” and a real talent of writing. You’ve come a long way from your swiss cheese door at U of A a few years ago. I’m proud to know you Noah.
Carol Says:
November 4th, 2007
Noah- You are the best! What a wonderful journey you all have had. It is great to know that you all accepted each other and became even better friends. You all have perfected your talents! I’m proud of you. Mom Carol
Tonya Says:
November 5th, 2007
Noah,
I will live vicariously through you and your travels. I find myself constantly asking folks, “do you like your job” and “what do you like about it”. I am constantly on a quest for those who do enjoy their jobs.
Kelly G Says:
November 5th, 2007
Gotta love you Noah! The unique lens that you view people and the world through only enhances your ability to write! Keep on pursuing your passion and keep in touch! Love, Kelly
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