Well, I’ve been at the same job/career for 25 years. I have a upper-middle class income and net worth, family that I love. I guess by some accounts I’m successful.

Nothing has changed. I’d still rather watch a ball game or play golf with my son than anything else. Hearing my daughters call me “dad” is still the sweetest sound. I slept on couches as a teenager and it wouldn’t bother me to go back. I could live wherever I want to (almost),but I still live in the house the kids were born in. I can drive whatever car I want (and Im talking Italian not German). I’d feel like an idiot if I drove anything that nice though.

I’ve lived in the presence of money and I’ve lived in the absence of money. I’m not sure where one begins and the other ends. I lost my dad when he was 52. He always used to say: “We pay our bilIs before we eat.”

I tried to honor him by passing his values to my kids. I always prayed that I lived to see 52 so that I had enough time to give the kids the values that he gave me. I’m 51 now: 52 not far away. My dad helped his community. He played the guitar at a home for blind people from time to time. I’ve done the same. I’m tired now. I’m ready to go when my time comes.