My story begins when I was just a young boy, I was the 8th child of a non existent father and alcoholic mother who went through men and marriages like the alcohol she consumed. She gave me up for adoption when I was just shy of my 3rd birthday. I bounced around group and foster homes for the next 15 yrs. Struggling with addiction from a young age, in and out of juvenile hall/jail from the age of 12 until I was 17. Never knowing my path or even if I had one. When I 18 I was released out on my own from the state of Washington. No goals, no money and no hope, I was home homeless for a few years couch hopping and living in my car, finally after I hit rock bottom with addiction, depression and many attempted suicides, I found the lord at a River revival and my life changed. I got my GED and then moved to the complete opposite side of the country to go to culinary school. I stayed in touch with my only friend from my teens who would later become my wife. After completing my degree I moved back home and started a life with my wife, began my career in the food and beverage world that took me all over the nation to work. I was so happy, we had our first child and I made a promise to myself and my wife I would not be anything like my parents as provide my children with a proper upbringing. After many years and 3 more children my work brought me to Alabama and I have been here for the last 15 yrs. Working for the Angels minor league baseball team as a chef. I look back at my childhood and where people are I knew growing up, including siblings, most are in prison or dead or living way below the poverty line. Not me, because I decided to make a change, I took a leap of faith that scared the shit out of me. But it completely changed my life. I still struggle every day with being a dad to 4 girls, a husband and a friend. But I am taking it day by day and being the best I can for my wife, my kids and my career. I would not change anything about how I was raised, it made me who I am today and I always share my story when I get a chance. To show people anything is possible. I am not rich, I am not a celebrity but I am loved by few respected by many and live my life to the fullest everyday. Thank you