My apologies as I did not share much about myself. I have recently retired from a 30 plus year public education career at all levels from kindergarten though college. I also coached football, basketball, and baseball over the years, so dealing with uncertainty gives me great stress and fear. Meanwhile, I am divorced after a 30 year marriage to my high school sweetheart as we both grew in different directions and my own struggles with middle-age, intimacy, and mortality. Recently, I was asked for a break from a 3 plus year relationship that was challenging, confusing, and exhilarating all at once but still feel we have a unique connection that I have not completely given up on, especially given that she tells me I am her best friend…which is part of my motivation for this program. I am a man in transition, trying to pick up some of the pieces of his heart and beliefs that have not served him well during his adult life. I try .to please others too much, avoid conflict, and fix things to make my life as productive and stress-free as possible. In the end, it is a shallow path that seems to please nobody. But my response is to swallow my pride and just try harder.

I told Jason I am probably just as nervous as I am excited about the possibilities of working with him and Melanie because I know this is going to be very painful and challenging to take a hard look at what has failed me. I am looking forward, for the most part, to meeting you all this Wednesday.

Dave