My most inspiring teacher was my grandfather. Born in the 1920's he saw everything from an agrarian life in rural Virginia to triumph in WWII; advancements in culture, economics, science, technology. My grandfather found inspiration and lessons from everything in his life. In his 80's he was burning songs from Napster before most people had even heard of streaming audio sites. In his retirement my grandfather tirelessly researched and self-published a half-dozen books.

When I was a young child my grandfather and I traveled to visit family and friends near and far. My grandfather taught me one of the most important lessons I have learned so far in life. He taught me the value of enduring love, friendship and how to be important in the life of a child. My grandfather's commitment to his family and others in his life made the world a better place.

Fatherhood. Relearning family life was a powerful experience for me. The connection I have with my children has opened my eyes to all relationships. Relationships have greater meaning and significance in my life.

Looking forward to my first weekend retreat at Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, NY. I have been wanting to do this for several years and finally decided to go. I am taking as little as possible. No phones allowed! Now that is a vacation.

Yesterday my girlfriend and I held each other and cried as we shared our last embrace and last words with each other. As we said goodbye, we knew that our lives were transformed for the better by having met and loved one another.

Over the span of one year we created a lifetime of amazing memories of love, joy, tenderness and laughter. No regrets. I am grateful that we were able to give ourselves to each other so completely, to love each other deeply, to grow and to heal. We are now two stronger more capable individuals with brilliant futures and an increased capacity for growth, learning and love.

I feel like I have experienced a full-body, full-spirited, emotional recharge. My entire being feels energized and awake. I feel weightless at times. I feel teary and cry. The emotion comes directly from the heart which I believe is my connection to the divine. I describe this feeling as a fountain of brilliant radiating love. I feel nothing less than genuine love and gratitude for what I have shared with an amazing woman.

I feel that my story demonstrates the importance of opening ourselves to spirit. It is never too late. No matter how old you are or what circumstances you may face. Everyone has the capacity to connect with the divine. My girlfriend and I were rewarded greatly for our successful efforts to make a divine connection.

I feel humbled by the fact that we both began our spiritual journeys before we met. Neither of us had any expectation of the actual outcome. We were simply working toward more spiritual insight and met each other a few months later.

For those of you wondering why my girlfriend and I ended our relationship. There is no answer that makes sense in this dimension. Our relationship was beyond expectations in every way.

I loved the snow. I used to wake up every morning and look for snow outside my bedroom window. I loved my family. I was always excited when we would go to my grandparents house . I loved to play with my cousins and celebrate holidays with our family. I loved going to the beach every summer. I loved to swim in the waves and feel the surf pressing against my body. I loved boats and learning how to sail. I loved hiking and learning about animals and nature. I loved the smell of the wet leaves, the fragrance of wysteria, honeysuckle and pine. I loved waking to the song of a wood thrush in the morning.

I loved to play games. I used to love playing kick the can with my neighbors. We would run to a nearby creek and walk in the ankle high water. I remember riding in the pick-up truck with my father every Saturday to go to the lumber yard and I always loved the smell of the fresh cut wood. I loved going to our neighbor's cabin on the Potomac River near Harper's Ferry. We would play on a rope swing and swim in the river. Enough typing. I have to go swimming right now.

• Be important in the life of a child
• Be kind
• Take care of yourself
  

Imagine the joy of simply bringing people together. I would like to form a community of individuals and organizations responsible for leasing luxury cruise ships and resort accomodations. Our charter would be to administer and fund travel for civilian families and loved ones of active armed forces personnel. The destination: cruise ships in nearby waters or nearby resorts where personnel are stationed. Military personnel could easily travel and visit family, friends and loved ones for weekend or extended R&R.

This concept could also apply to circumstances beyond present military conflicts and include foreign families of U.S. workers. I know several people working in the U.S. now who are greatly challenged to regain access to family in their home country.