I guess it's time.......
It's not really all that unusual for our generation (the childhood part). What we were referring to, was a very "difficult" Dad. He had temper issues, that left us all with a few scars, but he's sick now, so no more need to be said. Nonetheless, he and my Mom have been together for more than 50 years, so that's something in this day and age.
Steve's and my stories are a bit different, but we've both been successful in different ways. I was always the "perfect student" and intellectually curious. Only problem was, I didn't learn how to have fun, until "middle age." Graduated near the top of my class at Duke, PhD at the University of Texas, before I was 25. Went to work immediately at NASA, where I ended up running a research division. Was nominated Chief Scientist at FAA during the first Bush Administration. Left in 1992 to run operations at Northwest Airlines where I stayed for almost 10 years. I left NW 2 weeks before 9/11. I've been consulting since then, but now like to play more than work.
The problem with my career was that it was almost 24/7, which left many holes in my life. I've learned from those mistakes, and beginning to recover. I do have a wonderful daughter who is 16, and her mother and I are still very close, although we're not together.
That's enough..........I've enjoyed all the other stories.
Clay
'98 Unique #9299, 427FE side oiler (452.1-stroker), top-loader (close), 3.31 rear
Annapolis, MD