Read more
About the only way I can summarize Art's Odyssey Unplanned is to quote Mark Twain on the subject of Adventure. He said, "An adventure is something unpleasant that happened to someone else."
My story is a young life full of adventures, and even though some of them could be construed to be unpleasant, as long as I came out of them intact, I never regretted having had the experiences. In a very real sense my life was enriched by those experiences.
I honestly believe they gave me a confidence in myself that led me to live as an adult with few fears of inadequacy or of failing in any endeavor on which I'd embark. That resulted in experiencing shattering grief at the tragedies of the deaths of younger family members, but then regaining the customary joie de vivre of my life. Who could ask for anything more?
About the author
After the war, thanks to the GI Bill, Art Schmitz earned a Master's degree in Exceptional Education, resulting in a 35 year career teaching students with cognitive disabilities from preschool to high school in 5 different states. His interest in stamp collecting and work with the Milwaukee YMCA Boy's Department led him into his teaching career.
Married, more than once, Art had 5 children, now adults. He and his wife celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary in 2018. Besides having traveled extensively, he's fished 185 different bodies of water, ice fishing as well. Now retired, Art is actively involved with his church, philatelic organizations, and leading events at a senior center.
