Thank You.

Not always do others want my assistance, or hah, it might not be that they think to need any help at all. Alas I try to offer my love and support unconditionally, trying to be there for them even when they stumble, even when they fall.

A huge heartfelt thanks so much to each and every all of you, all of you who have been there for me when I’ve needed your shoulder, your ear, your hand, or your emotional proximity. Thank you. Thank you for supporting me during my journey, even when you didn’t realize you were doing anything. Thank you for providing me a large, safe, and loving friend family. Thank you for not giving up on me even when I behave foolishly. And thank you for helping me become more than I could have been on my own.

My father was a protestant minister for 30 years among other things, he tried to help everyone. My mother was socially disabled for all but four years of my life because of her poor mental health; none of us could help her. While the while I withdrew, staying stuck in teenage wasteland and abused drugs for 13 years. I worked over three decades in the bicycle business, and not afraid to admit for the last five years of my two-wheeled career I was an on-the-clock alcoholic. A decade ago at the end of 2014 I quit my last official big boy job at Trek. Intentionally I was trying to save my second marriage, as well as salvage a strained relationship with my beloved kiddos. First I took a year off. Next, for six years I consulted across a plethora of industries, then I wrote for four years straight.

Earlier this year I earned my Peer Support Specialist certificate and starting today I put it to use, now working fulltime as a Program Counselor in Hayward Wisconsin. Providing my physical presence to those struggling with their poor mental health and substance abuse is something I’ve done for quite a while, but now it’s official.

 Thank you, thank you, thank you. Love you all so very much.