Creating a Legacy
And finally, where I am today and what’s in store for the future…
“In A Nutshell”
As I wrap up this series of articles, my intention has been to introduce you to me and my life. I feel it is crucial that you and the parents of boys who are considering joining my programs know my experience. Knowing my journey, will help you trust me with what are often the most painful parenting experiences and your children.
So where am I today? I start every day thankful for the opportunity to help my clients. As I stated before I have worked with over 2,000 boys through The Quest Project, with no sign of slowing down. To get to live your mission every day and be rewarded, well it doesn’t get much better than that.
I can sum it up quickly by telling you this story. Recently one of my Quest Project graduates wrote an essay that his mom thought I’d like to read. She was excited to share that her son chose me as his hero! I’ve been doing this a long time and I get rewarding feedback, but I have never been so humbled and honored. It’s not easy to be the hero of a teenage boy unless you’re an action movie star!
Family Life
I am happily remarried with two amazing little ones, miniature long hair dachshunds, Pinot is 5 years and Tawney is 6 months old! They are the greatest! I live in a suburb of St. Louis with my family. My wife and I are founders of Charity Patch, a not-for-profit urban garden, that provides fresh fruits and vegetables to a local food pantry. I am a Ph.D. Graduand… you may remember my dad said “forget it….I wasn’t smart enough” back in The Teenage Years. Well, it turns out I am smart enough, I will proudly complete my Doctorate in 2016.
There’s More!
And there’s more! Two years ago I began to consider the question “what will my legacy be?” The answer to that question came together in the form of a book scheduled for publication in January 2016. It has been a journey and experience I won’t soon forget. I knew my story needed to be told and I am looking forward to sharing that story. It is a very exhausting exhilarating experience. It not only has detailed information about my life, it contains very confidential process information about The Quest Project that I haven’t shared before. The book wraps up with interviews with some of my graduates and their parents. It will provide so many families with the hope that their son can get better. My life’s work is represented in this book. If you’re reading this, I hope you’ll stay connected to receive updates as we get closer to launch.
In future articles, I’ll be writing about some very important topics as well: peer pressure for boys; what it means to become a man; Fathers (hint..the next book!); importance of mentors, and much more.
If you have suggestions for topics you’re interested in, let me know in the comments below.
