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I
left WPHS to go to Arkansas College, and got busted out for behavioral
problems. I was definately NOT one of those destined to go away to college.
Too many oats to take care of. Piddled around with a series of jobs fully
fit for one in his late teens and early twentys with no particular plan
for life. I ended up outside of Chicago where I ultimately made a real
career decision and joined the police force in Carpentersville where I
stayed for 17 years reaching the rank of Deputy Chief. I went back to
school at age 40 and completed undergraduate work at Aurora University,
and then went on and got my Master's in Criminal Justice Management. Politics
and booze became issues over time, and I resigned. I spent the next year
straightening myself out for what seemed obvious to me, that I was getting
a second chance at being a decent husband, father, provider, and person.
I purchased a cleaning service (commercial) which I kept for 15 years,
growing it from a two person operation to a mess which included 25 employees.
At that time I figured out that Miller wasn't meant for managing people
and problems, and joyfully sold the business. After getting rid of everyone
and everything, over time I established myself as a painter specializing
in high-end interior design of faux and pattern painting. I've been doing
that for 5 years now (wish it was for the last 20), and have found that
not only is it highly productive, but it stretches the creative abilities
that were always present but seldom used. I'm married
to Penny and we have 7 grown children, all married, and currently have
8 grandwonderfulchildren. I'm quite active in church, particularly in
the area of helping men in off the streets. Best of all, I'm happy and
comfortable with myself. |