Prologue

Some time ago, I sat in my parents' living room and recorded their responses to a cartload of questions. The questions were directed at their lives, what they thought about certain personal subjects and reminiscences.  Tears were shed; we shared laughter, and I drew closer to two people I have known for all my life.

The essence of human bonding is the result of that duo of human emotion—laughter and crying.  You laugh and cry with someone—you share a realm of personal space where communication becomes spiritual and understanding goes beyond what words can convey. The result was an increased love for parents that gave me life and introduced me to the world almost a half century ago.

When I first conceived the idea to record my life's story, I was planning to model it after some other life stories I had read.  Those books were enlightening and fun to read. The joy I received in reading came mainly from the human experience that I felt from dramatic occurrences, odd habits, work, recreation, friendly relations, feuds, parents expressing deep worries about their kids, kids living carefree and wishing mom and dad would ‘get lost.’ That is life, and much more.  We all interpret it differently as we view it from our own unique individual perspectives.

I initially planned to write this story using a third person perspective.   However, I've decided that will not do. Musing on the experience in mom and dad’s living room, I concluded it would be a stretch for me to adequately capture in words the complexities of others’ lives and experiences as they intersected my own.  Rather, I will record this work using my own, first person voice, painting a picture of my own existence as well as those folks whose lives touched mine.

This colorful life sketch will be based on my own memories of events.  I have a very good memory.  I will be fair in my accounts when they concern others and I will describe things according to my recollection and feelings.  Some people may remember these moments differently and desire to have the accounts changed to match their version of events.  If so, I recommend those people record their own accounts.

Putting on a two dimensional canvas, things that are much more complicated and multidimensional is very difficult indeed, for we are all multifaceted, complex individuals.  But for the sake of accuracy and integrity in historical documentation , I do my best.

As complex individuals we are driven by numerous motives, incentives, forces, and habits.  My personal life’s experiences, filed and saved inside my mind, are what define me.  Thanks to all of you who impacted my existence, whether for good or ill (or both), for you helped make me who I am—and I am proud to be me.

As I recently cradled in my arms my sweet granddaughter, Peyton, I realized I wanted more than anything to record my life for her—for her and all those who will join her in my line of descendants.  This is a sketch of my life.  This is the story of my life expressed specifically to those I love.