I am a product of a family that was very much into organized religion.  Church twice on Sunday and once on Wednesday evening.  That was the required routine in my youth. I was the youngest of 3 boys and my Mom was the one that taught Sunday School and sang in the church choir.  Then when I started High school she decided she needed to find a new way of life.  She divorced my Dad and began to drink and run around.  At the time I did not know what was happening to my world, but I was always a happy kid, and this gave me the chance to finally quit going to church...I was free!  But this is when I started my own drinking career.  Some good times were had, but emotionally I was a wreck!  Anyway I could go on forever about that.   I became a Brick Mason laborer when I was 18 and this trade fit me perfectly. I still love it after 39 years!  I have 2 daughters from my first marriage, and 4 grand kids.  We do not live close to each other, but we do connect often.  I'm just glad to be here today and for the willingness to be able to work on these past issues.  My Mom has had a very tough life of her own making.  She lives with us now.  After 8 marriages, she is quite a challenge for me.  But her health issues (3 strokes) require some understanding on my part.  Some days are very frustrating for me, but I need to be strong and accept her as he is today.  The past is the past an nothing will ever change that, but I can change my attitude about today!