Turning The Page

Labor Day, 1990. It was turning into a gorgeous morning for the first week of September as I was completing the packing of our 1984 Toyota Corolla. In all honesty, I was cramming and stuffing the remnants of my provisions into this sub-compact car that was about to embark on a groundbreaking journey. This vehicle, nor the occupant, had ever been further south than North Carolina, and yet, today, we would be making the trek to Florida.

It was a moment filled with excitement and trepidation. As a 30-year-old husband and father, I was about to embark on a journey that would take me far from my comfort zone, leaving behind my pregnant wife and our 18-month-old son in a suburb of Baltimore. The thought of moving to South Florida to start a new job was daunting, especially since I had never lived more than an hour away from my support system. 

I remember feeling a mix of emotions: anxiety about what lay ahead and a sense of adventure fueled by hope. My heart raced as I thought about what was to come. Would my wife and child be okay while I was gone? Would we truly find happiness and success in this new chapter? These questions swirled in my mind, but deep down, I knew we were making the right decision. We were stepping out on faith, and that faith was something I held onto tightly.

As I drove south, the landscape changed from the familiar sights of Maryland to the vibrant colors of Florida. I marveled at the palm trees and the feeling of warmth that enveloped me. This was a new beginning, a fresh start. I was filled with hope that our family would soon be together again in a place where we could thrive. The road stretched out before me, and with every mile, I felt a little lighter, as if the weight of uncertainty was gradually being replaced by the promise of what was to come.

The journey was not just about moving to a new state; it was about embracing change and the unknown. Life has a way of surprising us, and often, the hardest decisions lead to the most rewarding experiences. I think back to that young man in the Corolla—he had no idea what lay ahead, but he took that leap of faith. Little did I know that just beyond the horizon, there were beautiful moments waiting to unfold.

Fast forward to today, and I am celebrating my 65th birthday, looking back on a life filled with blessings and growth. I have three incredible children, each carving out their own paths in the world, and two beautiful grandchildren who bring endless joy to our family. I have been happily married for nearly 39 years to my wonderful wife, who has been my rock through every challenge and triumph. Together, we built a life rich with love, laughter, and memories that will last a lifetime.

Reflecting on those early days in Florida, I realize that every step we took, every challenge we faced, and every moment of joy we experienced contributed to the tapestry of our lives. We faced hardships, of course—moments of doubt, financial struggles, and the inevitable growing pains of raising a family. But through it all, we learned to lean on each other, to communicate openly, and to trust in our collective strength.

As I celebrate this milestone birthday, my heart is full of gratitude. I am thankful for the risks we took, the paths we chose, and the love that has surrounded us every step of the way. Life is indeed good, and we are abundantly blessed. But it is essential to remember that this doesn’t mean the journey has been easy. There were times when I questioned our decisions, times when the road felt too steep or the destination too far away. Yet, we persevered, and with each challenge, we grew stronger and more united.

One of the most significant lessons I’ve learned over these 35 years is the power of resilience. Turning the page in your book of life can be intimidating, but it can also be exhilarating. Each new chapter brings potential for growth, adventure, and discovery. Trust your instincts, lean on your loved ones, and have faith in the journey. You may not know what the future holds, but that’s part of the beauty of life. It’s unpredictable, and therein lies the adventure. 

So, as I celebrate 65 years of life, I invite you to embrace your own journey. If you find yourself at a crossroads, uncertain about the next chapter of your life, I urge you to take that first step. Don’t be afraid to take risks, to step out of your comfort zone, and to believe in the possibilities that await you. Your story is still being written, and with each turn of the page, you have the power to shape it into something extraordinary. It’s okay to feel scared; it’s natural to have doubts. But don’t let fear hold you back from pursuing the life you truly want. Trust in yourself and know that every leap of faith can lead to a life filled with love, joy, and unimaginable blessings. Now go on, pack your proverbial Toyota Corolla, and start your new adventure!