Independence Day: July 21, 1996

On July 21, 1996:

• Bill Clinton was still in his first term as President of the United States
• The number 1 movie in the United States was "Independence Day" with Will Smith (et al)
• The number 1 record in the country was 2Pac's "How Do U Want It" (A side, featuring Jodeci) / "California Love" (B side, featuring Dr. Dre and Roger Troutman)
• Robin Williams turned 45
• We were 1,878 days away from September 11, 2001
• My Father was still alive
• I was a 34-year old college dropout and an underachieving Air Force Master Sergeant whose second marriage was circling the drain

And...

• I launched on a journey to an unknown destination, that I never wanted to take, but that has changed my life in ways I never knew needed changing.

Since July 21, 1996, I have:

• Retired from the Air Force
• Graduated college
• Transitioned into a satisfying, good-paying career
• Become a published writer, including a stint as an 84-year old Southern woman named Matilda Mae Sugarbottom (of the Andalusia Sugarbottoms)
• Hosted a sports-talk radio show, which is where the nickname "Smokey Joe" was given me by one of our loyal listeners
• Performed stand-up comedy
• Buried my Father
• Moved nine times
• Worked for eleven different employers (not counting the Air Force). OK...it hasn't all been satisfying.
• Formed adult relationships with my adult children. Most of them, anyway.
• Been a son to my Mother, a brother to my Sister, a father to my Children, and a man among men
• Developed a connection with a God with whom I was able to negotiate terms agreeable to both of us
• Married the greatest human being I've ever known

"Thank you" is so horribly insufficient but my deepest, sincerest heartfelt thanks go to some of my guides along the way:

• Mark Bartoloni
• Dhulkti Springhawk
• Dr. John Doyle
• Leo Donnely
• Ron Raby
• Mike Greenstein
• Dick Bower
• Craig Bracey
• Richie Hayward
• My Sister, Malinda
• Dr. Amy Karbasi
• Innumerable others without whose love and support, who knows what might have happened

It's been an amazing twenty years.

I'll see you again on July 21, 2036.

Peace,
Smokey Joe