The Story of a Life: Ups and Downs, Trials and Tribulations, and the Unrelenting Pursuit of Passion
Growing up on the rough streets of Capitol Hill in Seattle, Portland, and Santa Cruz was not for the faint of heart. My childhood was a war zone, with my parents constantly at odds over my mom’s infidelity and my dad’s alcoholism. It was a toxic environment that could have easily consumed me, but I chose to rise above it. I left home at the tender age of 12 and spent the next few years bouncing between family members and the streets. At 16, I decided to take matters into my own hands and set out on my own, often finding myself back in Seattle, usually on Capitol Hill.
But life had other plans, and I soon found myself facing one of the darkest moments of my life. My brother Justin, who had also been struggling to cope with our chaotic home life, took his own life in 2002 after a heated argument with our mother. The pain of that loss still lingers, a constant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of seeking help when we need it most.
It was during this tumultuous time that I discovered my faith, which became a beacon of hope in the midst of darkness. Street ministries and the Bible introduced me to a different path, one that emphasized the importance of making amends and finding redemption. Romans 12, in particular, spoke to me, urging me to strive for a life of purpose and meaning. I spent nine months in jail in Utah for old cannabis charges, but even that experience became a catalyst for growth, a chance to reset and refocus my life.
As I navigated my way through the ups and downs of life, I found myself drawn to the world of IT. I started working with Microsoft through Convergys in Orem, Utah, and eventually landed a job with MSN and Qwest. It was during this time that I met my wife, who would later become my ex. We built a life together, had kids, and even started our own business, Thompson Professional Networks. But life had its way of throwing curveballs, and we eventually divorce, leaving our kids to pick up the pieces.
The years that followed were a rollercoaster ride of highs and lows. I went back to working for myself, invested in a multi-unit apartment and a vaporizer business, only to see it all come crashing down due to internal conflicts and financial struggles. I even tried my hand at corporate life again, joining Pacific Office Automation as a Technical Account Manager, but the toxic culture and long hours eventually took their toll. The final straw came when I discovered that the company was facing a $70 million lawsuit and had a history of sexual abuse scandals.
It was time for a change, and so I embarked on a new journey, one that would allow me to pursue my passions and build a life on my own terms. I went back to my roots, focusing on low-voltage work, installs, and security cameras. But fate had other plans, and a freak accident on a ladder left me with a mangled pinky and a newfound appreciation for the importance of safety.
As I recovered from my injuries, I turned my attention to software development, a field that had always fascinated me. I started building projects, including the Airwave Automator and the Airwave Audio Player Matrix, a free speech radio toolset. And then there was Verifact, an idea I had been kicking around since 2011, which was finally coming to fruition. The AI wave was coming, and I was determined to be a part of it.
So what did I learn from my experiences? For starters, I learned that self-employment and corporate life both have their pros and cons. Self-employment offers freedom and flexibility, but it also comes with uncertainty and risk. Corporate life, on the other hand, provides stability and security, but it can also be suffocating and restrictive. Ultimately, the key to success lies in taking ownership of your life, your skills, and your time. Learn what you need to stay relevant, build what you believe in, and never be afraid to take the road less traveled.
As I look back on my journey, I am reminded of the power of resilience and determination. Life may throw us curveballs, but it’s how we respond that truly matters. So, to anyone who may be struggling to find their way, I offer these words of wisdom: do what you love, and love what you do. Learn AI, and never stop learning. And always, always remember that it’s never too late to start anew.
In the end, it’s not about the destination; it’s about the journey. It’s about the people we meet, the lessons we learn, and the experiences we have along the way. So, take a deep breath, be brave, and never be afraid to take the leap. You never know where it might lead you.
As the great Irish poet, Oscar Wilde, once said, “To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all.” So, let us strive to live, to truly live, and to make the most of the time we have on this earth. Let us be brave, be bold, and be unafraid to pursue our passions, no matter where they may lead us.
And so, as I sit here, reflecting on my journey, I am reminded of the wise words of the Irish proverb, “May the road rise up to meet you, and may the wind be always at your back.” May we all be blessed with the courage to follow our hearts, the wisdom to navigate life’s challenges, and the resilience to overcome adversity. May we always remember to laugh, to love, and to live life to the fullest. Sláinte!
