I’m back after taking a much needed week off to better collect my thoughts. I’m writing 50 posts this year so I only have two weeks where I can take a breather and I felt one was necessary considering we were leaving my favorite decade, the 1980s, and entering into the 90s.
The days of the big rock (aka hair) bands, punk, and new wave music were fading and a grittier sound was ushered in. The Pacific Northwest became the epicenter of some incredible bands such as Nirvana, Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, Screaming Trees, Alice in Chains, The Dandy Warhols, and Mudhoney. My ability to see beyond my immediate periphery was still slightly hindered but thanks to my great friend, Bill Haecker, my eyes were soon open. I’ll be referencing Bill many times over the next few post as his influence on me, especially in music was monumental. His uncanny ability to be on the absolute edge of everything cool is something I’ve always admired and respected about him. If not for him, it would have taken me a few more years to appreciate the bands I mention above. Most importantly, Bill’s friendship and the wonderful affection his mom, dad, and sister, Aimee, has extended to me over the years is something I truly cherish. I love being a Campbell but there is a part of me that always wanted to be Haecker and he and his family made me feel I was one.
I have mixed emotions about the 1990s based on the fact I had to make some very difficult decisions with school and life. Mapping out what I plan to write in the coming weeks brings up a few painful memories I’ve chosen to suppress. However, it was a time when my three oldest sons were born, which are defining moments in the foundation of what I was to become and the drive to get me there. I’ll dig in on these specific years more as I come to them but I will say that adversity is something I would come to learn. Especially in the early part of the decade. However, the ability of perseverance is something I picked up as well. It’s amazing what you can do when you find yourself feeling that your back is against the wall. You have a choice to give up and run or you can stand in and face the challenges ahead. It would be a lie if I said I didn’t consider both options but in the end, I chose to face the challenges and work through them. I failed at times along the way but I used those moments as opportunities to learn. I never allowed any failure to stop me from ensuring the safety and well-being of the boys. Nor did it impede my growth personally and professionally.
There are many different ways to find purpose in life and for me, it was becoming a father. This was a time where I was also growing as an adult, so it sometimes felt like on-the-job-training with the two not always working in perfect harmony. I did come out stronger for it, which includes all the good and bad I may have encountered. The foundation of purpose was laid down during this time but it would evolve and become stronger over the years to come. Looking back today, I wouldn’t change a thing.
22 of 50 - 1990