As the mid-90s rolled around, I was still struggling to make ends meet and was finding some semblance of success working for a small computer reseller. I had my sights set on eventually working for Compaq Computer but still lacking my degree kept me from even taking the leap. Lance, or Tyler as we called him then, was 3, and Blake while living in Livingston had not yet joined our family. I quickly recognized that I needed to start making some changes to improve our quality of life. I needed some kind of spark and no sooner than that wish being made, I got one in June of 1995 with the birth of my son Luke.

I was in a relationship with Alisa Murray, who I had been dating for a few years and we were expecting our first child together. Needless to say, Luke was a total surprise. What I mean by that is that we were expecting a girl the entire time Alisa was pregnant. This determination was made after several ultrasounds. Yet, on June 14, 1995, a red-headed, freckle-faced boy announced himself to the world. To this day, I am still baffled at how this fact was missed over the 9 months during Alisa’s pregnancy. When Luke came out Alisa’s mom Pam, screamed: “Oh my God its a boy!” I still get a chuckle out of that moment because the entire hospital floor heard the news when Pam opened up the pipes. It was absolutely hilarious and a story for the ages. The icing on the cake was that night, the Houston Rockets won their second NBA title.

When Luke came into my life, it was just the nudge I need to start taking leaps regardless of having my degree at the time or not. I soon would leave the small reseller for a national distributor, not the best choice in the world, but a choice none the less that was the stepping stone to the next big leap when I would join Compaq in 1997. It would take a few years and hard lumps to find my footing but I soon would be off and running.

I am very proud of all four of my boys as they all offer very unique gifts to the world and Luke is no different. Like my father and grandmother, he has red hair and freckles. He also possesses a sixth sense with animals, which is similar to my grandfather on my mothers side of the family. He announced his presence to the world with a bang and hasn’t missed a beat in his 25 years. He was my little redheaded stranger, surprising us from the beginning and he would stay close to my every step year after year. To this day, we have a strong bond and I know he will carry on our legacy with the great things he will one day deliver to the world. So my advice to all those who yet to meet Luke is “lookout” because a rowdy good time is on the way!

27 of 50 - 1995

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