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    While it's happening it seems normal. But in retrospect--those first two decades tend to go by rather quickly. So it wasn't until somewhere near the beginning of the third that I recall things started to make some sense. In 1970 my first child, Stacia, was born and suddenly everything fell into place. Things had meaning. And by 1973 I had a son, Bo. Then in 1980 another daughter, Maya. Well, if you can't find joy and meaning in your children then you won't find it anywhere else. And everything that took place before that time is just history.
    Not to minimize in any way my marriage to my high school sweetheart, because that too was a milestone. But there is something about the birth of your own children that leaves a mark on your soul.
     Cold Brook Mills is the setting in my book, A Certain Fall. This fictional town (and many of the composite characters) is based on my home town of Mechanic Falls, Maine (then a pop. of 2300). Growing up there in the 1950's and 60's was a Norman Rockwell experience. Not always Happy Days, and some of the memories are romanticized by time passing, but it was a childhood of charm. 
    I spent three years in the military between 1965 - 68. Worked at the town paper mill on my return. Ended up as a teacher in the early Headstart days. Spent a year as a researcher with a professor from Bates College in Lewiston. Then, landed a job as a social group worker in a year-round wilderness camping program for children and their families. (While attending the University of Maine part-time.) This work set the stage for me, and I slipped into a position with the State of Maine working in child welfare as a Child Protective Caseworker. I also held positions in adoption, foster care, and I opened the first liaison office with the State of Maine's juvenile correctional facility in South Portland. I ended my 20 year career at the Department of Health and Human Services as a coordinator for the Department's therapeutic foster care program. All told, over thirty years in social services. 
    In 2004 I picked up a small speaking part in a children's Christmas movie, The 12 Dogs of Christmas, by Academy Award winning director, Kieth Merrill. A lot of fun and a great life-time gift for my grandchild. The part was cut considerably, but I was pleased to make the credits. And I look for it on the video shelves every Christmas.
    Since the age of thirteen, when I wrote my first short story, writing has been my pastime and passion. I had always intended to write. In fact, it has been the one thing I never quite got around to--odd. Until I sat down to write A Certain Fall. It took almost two years of part-time writing: late nights and early mornings to complete that book. Now, in retirement, I realize how important it is to encourage kids to go with their passion. That's where life resides. 
        I also do trainings in child welfare related topics. Recently, my wife, Janis, joined me in presenting material associated with A Certain Fall. She is also involved with co-authoring the book, Right Understanding.  
     So ... no regrets. I will now write. But when I talk with young people I do tell them to go for their dreams ... now. Right now.

Contact me below for more information on trainings, my books, or just to discuss writing.  And visit the Forum to leave a message or comment on the books.