We All Have Our Stories

Everyone has something to tell. Something to share. Something that might just help a friend along their journey. Something that will make everyone laugh. Something that will make everyone cry. It's part of what we all call, "life" that strange journey that may or may not hold deeper meaning. I'd like to believe it holds leagues of meaning, layers of meaning.; each filled with their own stories and textures and songs.

I also dream. Lots. 

I didn't always dream. There was a time I was scared all the time. There was a time when my journey wasn't holding as much promise:

The day was May 16, 1992. The only reason that it is important is that it was the last time someone hit me in anger or violence. The events prior to that day however compelling, moving, or disturbing they may be are not the focus of my story. That was the past; a part of what helped me become who I am today, but not how I define myself in the present tense. That was the day I said, “No more. There are choices to be made, and the choice I am making now is to break the cycle.”

The cycle has been broken. Today, one of the biggest dreams, one that holds the potential to change everything in so many ways came completely true. My official transcript says: Degree conferred: September 30, 2010. It's truly finalized now. I am a Ph.D.

People wanted to know how I celebrated the event. Yes, walking in August was amazing. Yes, going away for a week to the Southeast was wonderful and the Great Smokies majestic as ever.

Today I decided to embark on a different journey. One that might, possibly help me to live a life without as much physical pain from years of living in a van. Or help me to find the person hiding behind the extra pounds. Today, thanks to my very best girlfriend, Mae, I joined "Team Awesome" in search of the key to unlock myself and live in comfort.

Thanks Mae. Thanks Julie. And thank you to that wonderful breed of puppies that brought us all together: The Most Noble Pibble.