Francis Hennessey:  

Wow!! Where to begin?!?! As with most of us, life's been quite a ride! Ups, downs, exciting, boring, awesome, odd?, confusing.....And still going! When I was in high school, was pretty sure I wouldn't make it to 30. When I was in my 20's, I was fairly certain 30's were iffy at best. When I was in my 30's, I was too busy to worry about making it to my 40's. In my 40's, I was preparing for the 50's. Now that I'm in my 50's, everything's changed. Nothing is as it seems. Gotta admit, it's been interesting. After high school it was 4 years in the Air Force. That was an incredible time. I found work that I was very good at. Among other things, I learned control and direction. Needed that. Got married, started life. After the military, it was on to "a real job". Kids came, 3 total. Girl and 2 boys. They make it all worth it. Traveled a bit of the world. 10 countries on 4 continents, 48 states, so far, missed Hawaii and Alaska. Climbed mountains, rafted white water, hiked on Mt. Fuji, jungles in Brazil, Mexico, Costa Rica. Hiked fjords in Norway, mountains in Germany and the U.S. Flown millions of miles (as a passenger). Drank lots of beer and wine in Germany. More beer and some scotch in Canada. Sushi and noodles in Japan (more beer, some whiskey). Back packed the Grand Canyon. Started 2 companies. Got divorced. Found a new lady.... who doesn't like motorcycles. How the heck did that happen? Lately, with a couple of friends, been riding the country on my motorcycle ( 29 states and counting. No trailers). I've gotten quite attached to my Harley. Wow! that was a whole lot more than I'd planned on writing. But that pretty much brings me up to date. If anybody's checking, that's me in a nutshell. Addition to the story: Not much of an addition, just thought I'd add a line or two, because I haven't added anything in a while. Again, as with most of us, life goes on. I had hoped, by this time, to be slowing down. No chance of that happening any time soon. Business is picking up all the time, can't find qualified young people to hire to take the load. Guess I'll just have to keep working till I drop. Tools that is, then, I'll hop on the bike and ride for a month or so. My last child will be married this fall. He's 30, not the youngest child, just the last to be married. They'll be married on the beach in NC. That's a bike trip! The girlfriend will fly out. I'll ride with the brother out laws. Can't be in laws if you're divorced. Been riding bikes with these guys in one form or another for over 35 years. This will be our second trip to the east coast in the last two years. First trip was to visit family. Son in VB and a Niece in Arlington. That trip was the first time I had taken the time to visit the Mall in DC. Older brother OL and I are both vets. The WALL in particular was surprisingly emotional. I thought I was passed that. Not so. EVERY vet should go there and experience this. It is truly a defining? experience. Defining is not the right word. Confirming? Inclusive? Completing maybe? I don't really know. I just know it felt right to be there. This is the memorial to my brothers, and sisters, and I had not been there before. I was late. Every ci...Expand for more