Welcome! I’m glad you’re here to learn a little bit about me. I assume the first thing I should tell you is my name. It's Michael, but most people call me Mike.

My daughter gave me one of those books, like a journal, that I am supposed to fill out so she can learn more about me. I type faster that I can write so I am creating this blog for her. This my story, for my family, with all my love.

Much of this will be from a while ago, some over a half a century. I don't remember everything but I will be honest and as clear as possible. I may have to clarify some things with friends and will do my best to do so. If you find anything that is incorrect or disturbing, please let me know.

I was born in late 1961 and adopted at birth, which has been an important part of my life story. Being adopted has influenced how I see family and relationships. Over the years, I’ve come to understand that family isn’t about shared bloodlines-it’s about the connections you build, the love you nurture, and the bonds you create with the people who matter most to you. Family is what you decide it is, and I’m fortunate to have built a truly wonderful one.

I was raised in New Jersey, where my early years were shaped by the values and experiences of growing up in the Northeast. One of the defining experiences of my youth was the time I spent at a zoo. I developed a deep love for animals there and learned a lot about how to communicate with and care for wild animals. That experience shaped my lifelong appreciation for the animal world, giving me a deep respect for all creatures, large and small. It was a unique opportunity to observe the beauty and instincts of wild animals up close, and those lessons have stayed with me throughout my life.

When I was 18, I screwed up and ended up spending a couple of years in prison. I learned a lot from that experience, but that’s a story for another time. The lessons I took from that chapter helped shape the person I’ve become today, and I’m grateful for the growth that came from it. Someday, I’ll share more in a blog post.

Later, I spent about 20 years in Florida, which became a significant chapter of my life. While in Florida, I owned and operated a large horse rescue, something I’m incredibly proud of. Rescuing and caring for horses became a passion of mine, and it allowed me to connect with these amazing animals in a deeply meaningful way. Running the horse rescue was both rewarding and challenging, but it taught me so much about compassion, hard work, and the bond between humans and animals.

I’m a proud father with a large family. I have one daughter, and the rest of my children are boys. Beyond that, I’ve been blessed with several grandchildren and even a couple of great-grandchildren. Watching my family grow across generations has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Seeing my grandchildren and great-grandchildren reminds me of how precious time is, and I cherish every moment we spend together. Family gatherings, with laughter and stories shared across generations, are some of the most meaningful times in my life.

My wife is the most important part of my life, and I feel blessed to share my journey with her. My first two marriages were big failures, but this third one has been wonderful. We agree on most things, and when we don’t, we enjoy working together to untangle those differences. The understanding and partnership we share make life all the more meaningful. Her presence brings balance and joy to my life, and we support each other through life’s ups and downs.

Music has always been a big part of who I am. I love music, and over the years, I’ve played many different instruments. While I enjoy playing a variety of them, the guitar is the one that truly speaks to me. Music is a way for me to express myself, relax, and connect with others. It has been a lifelong passion, and I find joy in creating melodies and learning new songs.

Another central part of who I am is my love for animals and nature. Although horses have a special place in my heart, I love all animals. Whether it’s the companionship of a pet or simply watching animals in their natural environment, I find a deep connection with them. Being outdoors is where I feel most at peace. I enjoy everything from the simple pleasure of a walk in nature to the sense of freedom that comes from spending time under the open sky. The natural world has a way of grounding me and offering perspective, and I’ve always tried to stay connected to it.

In addition to my love for animals and the outdoors, I have a passion for travel. I’m fascinated by people from different walks of life and the diverse cultures that make up our world. Over the past few years, I’ve had the opportunity to go on many cruises, which have taken me to some incredible places and allowed me to meet new people and learn about their ways of life. These experiences have broadened my perspective and given me a deeper appreciation for the beauty and complexity of the world. Exploring new cultures, hearing different languages, and seeing the sights of places I’d only dreamed of visiting have been some of the most enriching experiences of my life.

I currently live in Georgia, where I’ve settled down after years of hard work. Georgia’s warmth, both in terms of climate and community, has made it the perfect place to call home. I retired several years ago, which has given me the freedom to truly enjoy life on my own terms. Retirement has been a time for reflection, growth, and reconnecting with the things I love. It’s been a blessing to have the time to focus on the people and activities that bring me happiness, without the pressures of a career.

Life has brought me through many different chapters, and not all of them have been easy. Some have been difficult, filled with struggles and challenges that tested my resilience. But most of my life has been good, filled with wonderful moments that I cherish. I believe that the tough times help shape us, and I’ve certainly learned a lot from mine. I’ve learned that personal growth often comes from those difficult moments, while the good times are what give us the strength to keep going. I’ve been married three times, and each relationship has taught me something new about love and about myself. Love is complex, and it’s only recently that I’ve begun to truly understand what it means. It’s been a journey of self-discovery, understanding, and learning to appreciate the depth of connection that comes with real love.

Friendship is another key part of my life. I’ve been blessed with great friends who have stood by me through thick and thin. They’ve been there during the highs and the lows, and I’ve learned that true friendship is one of life’s greatest gifts. My friends have supported me, laughed with me, and offered a listening ear when I needed it most. They’ve helped shape who I am today, and I’m grateful every day for the people who have chosen to walk alongside me in this life.

As I look back over my life, I see a series of transitions-each chapter bringing something new. Whether it was a career shift, a personal transformation, or simply the natural changes that come with time, I’ve learned to embrace the idea that life is always evolving. I’ve grown to appreciate the beauty in each phase, even when it was hard to see at the time. Each new chapter, whether filled with joy or difficulty, has brought me closer to understanding who I am and what truly matters to me.

Now, as I continue my journey in retirement, I look ahead with excitement and gratitude. Life has been a winding road, with its fair share of bumps and detours, but it’s also been filled with beautiful scenery and incredible experiences. I’m excited to keep learning, growing, and exploring new things, whether through travel, music, spending time with family, or simply enjoying the peace and contentment that comes with this stage of life.

Thank you for taking the time to get to know a little bit about me. I look forward to whatever comes next in this adventure we call life.