Lunch with an old friend the other day.  At one point, she looked at me and said: “You really seem to be at peace with yourself.  I’m glad.”

She’s right. After a turbulent year, I’m a peace with life, God and myself. My blessings far outweigh any problems that I face. I have a good life, a loving wife, a comfortable home and I’m doing what I want to do — covering the news, shooting photos and enjoying each day that I can from the seat of a motorcycle.

Put more than 500 miles on the Harley Super Glide this weekend, touring through the mountains and valleys of Southwestern Virginia and stopping often to admire the beauty of this area we call home.

I’ve come to grips with my mother’s failing health and can — and will — deal with the ultimate outcome when that time comes.

My weight is down to less than 200 lbs for the first time in 15 years, my back feels strong and all the tests at my most recent health checkup came back good.

For Memorial Day, I plan to ride to Washington for the annual Rolling Thunder Rally and Ride to the Wall. I was at the first Rolling Thunder and several years following and returned in 2009 after an eight-year absense. It’s important to remember those who have fallen in war and honor all who wore the uniform and served their county.

On June 6, I will celebrate 17 years of sobriety and plan to attend Founders Day 2011 — the 76th Anniversary of the founding of Alcoholics Anonymous — in Akron to join thousands of other fellow travelers.

Life is good and back on track.

Related articles

• Recovering Alcoholics Can Teach Us About Happiness (addictionts.com)
• Peaceful Waters (gordonsworldinpoetry.wordpress.com)