About

I am a 50 something man trying to make sense out of my life…this is my story.

“I am a 50 something man trying to make sense out of my life…this is my story.”

That’s what I wrote when I first began blogging years ago.  I wrote to have an outlet to talk to someone.  The listener on the other end was just my computer, but somehow it helped putting my words down.  It helped me to sort and sift through the slow and inevitable descent into a life that was drowning me.  That sounds kind of melodramatic, but that’s how I felt.

Over the years the blog has morphed and changed.  I named it “My Secret Journey” because I shared with the computer the internal struggles I had.  I wrote about things that I even had a hard time admitting to myself.  There were times when I didn’t blog at all.  Months and months would go by and I just couldn’t find it in myself to write.  Then my marriage imploded, I separated and divorced, and I rediscovered my blog.  

I used the blog to chronicle my new life being single, and to my new life slowly coming out of the closet.  I once thought about renaming my blog, but somehow I just couldn’t do it.   Even though my journey isn’t so secret anymore, the name is still a reminder to me of how difficult it was to navigate something that I didn’t even really understand myself.   

Through this blog, I have developed friendships with many different people from all over the world.  If I was a better writer, I would eloquently state how appreciative I have been over the years about all of the kind and thoughtful comments that people have left.  But alas, the only words that come to mind are a simple and grateful, “thank you.”  These friendships have truly brought joy to my life as we all navigate through the ups and downs of life. When I was going through my cancer treatments, I could always count on words of encouragement. It more than helped.

ME

I was born and raised in the Adirondack Mountains of upstate NY.  I am the oldest of three children.  I have a sister who lives in Massachusetts, and a brother who lives in Connecticut.  I live in Virginia, near the state capital.  

I was a teacher for years and years, then retired about two years ago.  I feared that I would become bored upon retirement, but I have found many things to fill my days.  I really loved being a history teacher, and I received a couple of awards for teaching.  I am pretty much an introvert, and I hated being in the spotlight, but the awards did mean a lot to me as they told me that I chose the right profession.  

I am married to my husband, whose name is also Michael.  We have a wonderful dog named Shirley, who brings us joy and laughter every single day.  

 

14 thoughts on “About”

  1. Just found your blog. It is interesting. I feel so alone…maybe I should start one also.
    I have no idea who you are or even where you are, but would love to know a little more about you. I am looking for friends. Hope you are in the east somewhere. Please write back. Feel free to use my e-mail.

    Reply

    1. Hi.
      Thanks for reading my blog. I started it to try and understand where I am headed in this world. It actually helps me as I write down stuff. Are you going through the same thing that I am? If you are, just know that we are not alone, and we have the internet to connect to people out there who understand. If you start your blog, let me know, I would love to follow it…
      ~Michael

      Reply

  2. I really like your blog, a lot of your thoughts and ideas seems so much alike mine. I will definitely follow your story and I just took the liberty to add you to my blogroll. Thanks for sharing.

    Love
    Daniel

    Reply

  3. Hi, I’ve spent the better part of the evening reading your posts, and would like to correspond. I realize you’re off on a trip soon, so no need to force in another ‘to-do’, but perhaps when you return you could send me an email.

    I, too, find myself with a spouse who has mental illness, and I’ve related in no small was to some of your struggles, doubts and musings about how life could have been. And in the midst of it I’ve finally been able to accept my own sexuality.

    I enjoy the blog. Let me know if you have time to write.

    Gareth

    Reply

  8. Enjoy your last 35 days – I hope there are some splendid breakthroughs with your students. I loved teaching, but I specialised on 1-1 with six year olds, so I wasn’t coping with hormonal adolescents – I don’t envy you that! Your trip with the students sounds great though. Are there “Clear and unambiguous rules about behaviour” and “consequences” . . . I was teaching at a school where a Year 7 student disappeared from a camp, and when she was found, her parents had to come (by air!) and collect her, The next year she was not allowed to go on camp. Her parents reckoned she should be allowed to go, but the school wasn’t prepared to take responsibility for her. End of discussion.

    Reply

    1. Luckily, every student that is going has a parent going with them. I don’t have any students that I have to directly supervise. I just need to make sure things go according to plan, and usually there is always some sort of hiccup, but I am doing this with a good friend so there is an extra person to help with things. Thanks for your comment.

      Reply

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