Day #2: Looking for purpose
It was a fine day, the cicadas were debating as you would expect and the sun was filtering through the tall trees. It was just yesterday that we realised we had lost the little calf, we counted the whole herd three times but none of them brought it back to the herd with the others.
We still can’t fathom how that happened, the fence was intact all around the ranch. We didn’t check the patch of trees because the herd normally stays away from it, as if there were some sort of bovine curse that they are trying to avoid. As the day aged and got tired of all the pesky debating, we started drawing conclusions in our heads, pointing fingers outwards, as you do.
The following morning we expected more of the same, still in the red for a calf. Secretly, I counted the herd again and again and one more time.
“Bullshit!” I exclaimed, acknowledging that we were now missing a cow as well. “Oh, coffee this morning is going to be bitter for the others, oh well, for me too I guess” I mumbled as I approached the edge of our land that borders with the patch of trees where I normally go to, you know, connect spiritually with nature through the cycle of water.
As I moved to head back, I cursed “Bullshit!” again, as my boot met with an all-too-familiar squish. Unusual, though, was finding such a mess this far from the usual paths.
I saw an opportunity, maybe our gassy friends ventured this way for more than just, spiritual connection with nature. I was onto something, yes, more fertilizer, but this time I dodged it. Following the trail of footsteps, I came upon what looked like a family reunion.
There was the calf, tailing the cow towards what I assume they perceived as the illusion of freedom, a fight against fear of the unbeaten path, or both.
Image credits: https://unsplash.com/@anniespratt
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Each day unfolds with a single random image from Unsplash, sparking the creation of a story.
Why?
This ritual is not merely about storytelling; it’s a pathway to a legacy I’m building for my children, something I wish I received from my parents instead of “stuff” — a book that delves into the intricacies of mistakes, healing, pain, success, and the shifting sands of societal values.
This narrative explores the devaluation of human virtues, the nuances of grift and speculation, addiction, the evolving roles within society, the impact of feminism, leadership, and the vital importance of responsibility and accountability.
Cool, but who for?
It’s a story meant to answer questions that distant relatives, whom I’ve never met or fallen out of touch with, might ponder about our shared lineage and the world that shaped us.
As a devoted father, this endeavour is my beacon, guiding the legacy I wish to leave behind. Writing, in a language that wasn’t my first, presents a unique challenge — one that I tackle with stoic determination. It’s an effort to break barriers, to communicate more profoundly, not just with my immediate family, but with anyone on a journey of self-discovery and growth.
But who are you anyway?
With a background in engineering, entrepreneurship, investments, and a heart that beats for art, beauty, and nature, I am deeply passionate about technology, history, psychology, and uncovering the layers of what makes things ‘weird.’ Above all, I’m a family man, a software artisan committed to lifelong learning, eager to share the insights gleaned from my quest to minimise regrets.
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