As a child, the world was like an open book.  I existed in a place where the dead and the living were one. Where meeting someone new meant more than just shaking their hand and exchanging names. I always perceived information about the environment around me and the people in it.

There were many times that I found myself contemplating the circumstances surrounding a person when, to begin with, no one had ever said a word. Out of nowhere, I had images flash before my eyes while overwhelming emotions surrounded my entire being.

These were the experiences that started it all; these are the experiences that, over thirty years later, continue to draw me even further into the world of the dead.

I spent my childhood around family and friends loving and living like any other child. I was taught to respect and participate in the Catholic and Lutheran religions, the faith of each of my parents. The only death I experienced as a child was that of my beloved grandfather who lost his battle to cancer when I was just 13 years old. My parents ended their marriage in 1986; after which, I spent much time floating between two households. I am also the survivor of parental suicide. My father took his own life in 2004 after a long battle with alcoholism at the young age of 47. My mother is, and always has been, a never ending fountain of support without whom I wouldn’t be the confident man I am today.

I find my own history to be a fascinating journey with many twists and turns. Even the occasional “Fork in the road” presents itself from time to time. Overcoming the challenges and helping people along the way is what I wish to do with my life. The first thing I wanted to be as a child was a Priest. I’m not exactly a priest; actually, I’m not even close.  I love this much better.

“Turn your stumbling blocks into stepping stones.” - Edgar Cacye