Sui Generis

For those of you who did NOT take four years of Latin in high school, as I did, it means “unique unto itself” or – loosely – “one of a kind”.

In a moment of quiet reflection last night (or was it a drunken stupor?) I began thinking about all the individuals I’ve met on this trip. And I realized that they are truly individuals – no two alike. As individual as snowflakes: every possible skin color, economic circumstance, religion, political persuasion, gender, body shape, and sexual orientation.

I’ve met some of the wealthiest people I’ve ever encountered, and I’ve befriended some of the homeless folks who populate the Key West waterfront. And they’ve all been equally kind.

I’ve met boater friends from all over the country.

I’ve met folks with all sorts of approaches to life…

• some are working remotely from their boats
• others are retired
• some live and work in Key West
• some live on their boat full time
• others live on their boat part time
• some divide their time between Florida and other wonderful parts of the country – like Colorado

And they all have their stories to tell.

I realize that this epiphany is a bit of a cliche, but it’s still a very comforting thought…if one of the purposes of this trip was to seek out new experiences, I’d have to say that it’s working. Changes in latitude; changes in attitude.

In his Intimations of Immortality, Wordsworth wrote: “Trailing clouds of glory do we come: From God, who is our home: Heaven lies about us in our infancy!” For some years now, I’ve been trying to age backward to that blissful state of purity and innocence. Trying to become a better man, despite my predilection for clownish misbehavior and protracted self-abuse.

I’ve also come to realize that what I like about these people is that they live unconventional lives. Unlike me. I’ve led a very conventional (if somewhat priviledged) life: college; graduate school; military service; marriage; career…

Earlier this week I met Andrea, my masseuse. She’s Hungarian, and she’s traveled all over the world on no money. Two weeks in Nepal with a Sherpa and a cook for $300. Three weeks in Asia for a total of $3,000. She did it when she was younger; she backpacked. That’s not right for me at my age, but still..

This summer, I’ll take the boat to Maine… after that it’s a blank slate.

I’m determined to bring this attitude home with me…to view everyone I meet as Sui Generis. With his or her own story to tell. And to consider a more unconventional life.