I grew up on the east coast, in the small town of Denton, Maryland about an hour from the beach where I spent most of my summers. The only son of Sylvia and Clay, who were always there for me growing up. My father was put in a wheelchair when I was two years old but, there’s nothing that guy couldn’t do! After his car accident he won more trophies and medals from bench press and bodybuilding competitions than you can imagine, and still works out everyday. He is one of the most charismatic macho men I have ever met, and taught me what it is to be a man.
My mother is the complete opposite from him in everyway. I really don’t know how they ever got along well enough to have a kid, but I sure am glad they did. She is caring, compassionate, giving loving, honest, sweet, kind, emotional, and silly. She stayed with my dad until I was about 5 and we left, but she wanted me to have a father in my life so we always stayed close to him. We were the typical poor family on the eastern shore. A single mom who waited tables long hours to barley pay the bills, and I was the “good kid” that hung around the “bad crowd” and always seemed to be in trouble. My childhood wasn’t a happy one but looking back, I’m happy I had it.
My junior year of High School things had gotten so bad in fact that we had hit rock bottom and were only days away from being on the street. With things the way they were you can imagine my surprise as my mom came home one night beaming with confidence. She had just won seven million dollars in the lottery!!! Because of the person that she is she gave away ¾ of it and after taxes we were by no means rich, but we both went to college and got the education we never could have afforded otherwise. Looking back the money was the least important thing….It was the hope for a better life, and the belief that miracles do happen.
I was never much of a student but finally graduated from the University of Maryland after attending 2 other schools prior. Having already driven across country once, I knew the west was calling me and I moved to Colorado. I lived with my best friends from high school there and had a lot fun. I had a decent job and was working hard. Things were good but, I could feel myself settling in life, and I knew there must be something more. It was that inner voice that prompted me to move again. Cont. Here
My mother is the complete opposite from him in everyway. I really don’t know how they ever got along well enough to have a kid, but I sure am glad they did. She is caring, compassionate, giving loving, honest, sweet, kind, emotional, and silly. She stayed with my dad until I was about 5 and we left, but she wanted me to have a father in my life so we always stayed close to him. We were the typical poor family on the eastern shore. A single mom who waited tables long hours to barley pay the bills, and I was the “good kid” that hung around the “bad crowd” and always seemed to be in trouble. My childhood wasn’t a happy one but looking back, I’m happy I had it.
My junior year of High School things had gotten so bad in fact that we had hit rock bottom and were only days away from being on the street. With things the way they were you can imagine my surprise as my mom came home one night beaming with confidence. She had just won seven million dollars in the lottery!!! Because of the person that she is she gave away ¾ of it and after taxes we were by no means rich, but we both went to college and got the education we never could have afforded otherwise. Looking back the money was the least important thing….It was the hope for a better life, and the belief that miracles do happen.
I was never much of a student but finally graduated from the University of Maryland after attending 2 other schools prior. Having already driven across country once, I knew the west was calling me and I moved to Colorado. I lived with my best friends from high school there and had a lot fun. I had a decent job and was working hard. Things were good but, I could feel myself settling in life, and I knew there must be something more. It was that inner voice that prompted me to move again. Cont. Here