Wherever We Land

We all dream of retirement, picturing a life of leisure and freedom. While some meticulously plan their golden years, my journey has been anything but conventional.

Born in the late 70s in the South Bronx, the concept of a career seemed like a distant fantasy. Witnessing the struggles around me, I was fortunate to have parents who defied the odds. My mother, a law enforcement officer, and my father, a military veteran and auto worker, provided strong role models.

Despite their love, my parents divorced, and we moved to Coney Island seeking a safer environment. Compared to the Bronx, Coney Island felt like a wonderland. It fueled countless childhood adventures, a stark contrast to the harsh realities of the crack epidemic plaguing New York City.

Walking to school, the sound of crunching empty bottles became a grim soundtrack of our times. Young and oblivious, I craved the friendships and fun school offered, unaware of the larger societal issues at play. Now, I understand the challenges faced by inner-city educators and the complex lives of many students.

Witnessing the impact of drugs and broken families, I realized how blessed I was to have both parents in my life. Many classmates weren’t so fortunate, some even ostracizing me for having a father present. Crack, crime, and death became grim realities for many.

These experiences shaped my perspective. Today, my retirement plan rests firmly in God’s hands. Through faith, my wife and I have raised three incredible children, one daughter a college graduate, another graduating this year, and the youngest in her second year.

Our dream retirement involves traveling and camping across the United States, soaking in the beauty of God’s creation. We claim this vision in faith, drawing inspiration from John 14:13-14:

“And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.” (King James Version)

Though retirement isn’t here yet, the journey has begun. We’ve started exploring campgrounds, filming our adventures for our Youtube channel, “Wherever We Land.” It’s a testament to the unconventional path that led us here, a path paved with faith, family, and a love for the open road.