I have been blessed in my life to have many adventures. I have done things that many dream of. Most of my adventures have been voluntary, some have not, but they have all added up to an exciting life.

I have run far, walked farther; climbed high, flown higher. I have explored the world’s oceans and seas above and below. I have fished, canoed and rafted the greatest rivers. I have fought in a war and loved greatly. I have traveled far, seen much, and done more. Adventure is part of my make-up; it’s who I am. It has been a motivating factor in my life. I have always sought after it, always strived for it.

I have learned that the only difference between an adventure and an ordeal is attitude. I agree with Louis L’Amour when he says, “I believe adventure is nothing but a romantic name for trouble. What people speak of as adventure is something nobody in his right mind would seek out, and it becomes romantic only when one is safely at home.” So it is with my greatest adventure — that of raising my family.

It is sad to say, but many in society do not feel that way. It is unfortunate, but it is understandable; they’ve been taught to think otherwise.

In all forms of entertainment from sung, to viewed, to writer, adventure is something that single people have. My favorite movies down through the years are good examples: “Top Gun,” “Pirates of the Caribbean,” “Master and Commander,” “The Far Side of the World,” “The Abyss (my very favorite underwater movie),” as well as the Indiana Jones, and Star Wars series. All show a hero or heroine who is without a family. The subliminal message is married folks with children don’t have fun; not true.

All the adventures I listed above, I have done with all or part of my family. In some cases, we had to curtail the activity, but we went, and we did, and we’re better for it.

The point is to let you know that you are involved in the greatest adventure you will ever have, and it’s right in your own home. Raising a family holds all the elements of a great adventure. It requires training and preparation, but like any adventure, there are things you can never be trained nor prepared for. The adventure of family is suspenseful and unpredictable. Just as you think you have things on an even keel and all is running smoothly, the adventure throws you a curve that you never anticipated, such as texting.

As in any adventure, you have to trust yourself. You have to believe, “I can do this.” You know it will be hard, but you hang in there because you know the reward is worth it. You are shaping the minds and hearts of the next generation. You are teaching them the values that will sustain your progeny through generations. I have raised six and am still working on two. I can tell you, it ain’t easy, but it is worth it.

David Wilson Atwood is a local freelance writer whose human interest columns offer a unique perspective. He may be contacted at: david@starchasers.us.