As I sit down on this chilly October day in 2023, I can't help but reflect on the remarkable 64 years I've spent on this planet. Life has been an unpredictable journey, brimming with experiences that have moulded me into the person I am today. From childhood hardships to globetrotting adventures, from family joys to professional successes, and even medical trials, my life has been a rollercoaster of ups and downs. Join me as I walk you through the highlights of my life's voyage.
Early Years: Facing Adversity
My journey began as a young boy who endured the painful sting of schoolyard bullying. To complicate matters, my brother left our family unit, leaving me and my sisters to navigate life's labyrinth on our own. But, as I've come to learn, life often throws curve balls our way, compelling us to confront these crises head-on.
A Leap into the Royal Navy
In 1975, I graduated from school with no GCSEs to my name, but I embarked on a new chapter in my life. On January 13, 1976, I donned the uniform of the Royal Navy. The music of that era was as diverse as my experiences, oscillating between glam rock, Motown, and Disco.
The Navy Years: Adventures on the High Seas
During my time in the Navy, I worked on Sea King helicopters and set foot on my first ship, the HMS Hermes, in 1977/78. That year, I also met the love of my life and married her on July 14, 1978. Our family expanded with the arrival of our son in 1980 and our daughter in 1982.
As the years passed, I climbed the ranks, eventually reaching the esteemed position of Warrant Officer, armed with five GCSEs, an HNC in Aeronautical Engineering, and an HND in Mechanical and Production Engineering. In 1999, I achieved my first degree in the Arts and Humanities, a testament to my dedication and perseverance.
My naval career took me to various ships and ports, including running the Wimbledon stewards from 1998 to 2004. I managed helicopter repair teams that operated globally, embarking on two tours of the Middle East on patrols called Armilla and serving aboard the HMS Chatham for three years.
A Worldly Odyssey
Throughout my naval service, I had the privilege of exploring the world. I set foot in geographical landmarks such as the USA, Canada, Singapore, and Thailand. I even sat on the Potemkin steps in Odessa, Ukraine, and visited the legendary home of Dracula in Transylvania. I visited the Pyramids of Giza and the Pink City "Petra" in Jordan. I have crossed the line at the equator and have been initiated by King Neptune and worked with the Dutch navy visiting Puerto Rico, Curacao and Aruba and in the Maldives we had a whole day on our own Atoll with Bar B Que and Beer.
Music sometimes transcended language barriers, and I found myself playing "Let it be" with a Russian band in a St. Petersburg hotel.
My adventures also included braving heavy seas, enduring the bone-chilling cold of Norway and Nova Scotia, and discovering the stark landscapes of the Falklands. It was in the Falklands that I repaired a Gazelle helicopter in a Sea Plane hangar in 1983 and that had once served as a mortuary for the Argentinians during the conflict. Around the walls of the hangar were 9 inch nails, with white masking tape having a name penned on the tape - these were the pegs used to place the dead bodies during the 1982 Argentinian invasion of that year.
Diverse Naval Assignments
My naval career was marked by various assignments, including working on the Royal Fleet Auxiliaries RFA Tidespring and the Fort-class vessels, Austin and Grange. I was the first to move a ten-ton helicopter on these flight decks, which were previously reserved for the more maneuverable Lynx helicopters.
Recognition's and Medals
I proudly wore four medals throughout my life, including the Meritorious Service Medal and two Queen Elizabeth Jubilee Medals. To top it off, I earned the Long Service and Good Conduct medal for 28 years of undetected crime, as the saying goes.
A New Chapter: Transition to Civilian Life
My journey took an unexpected turn when I transitioned to civilian life, working with the export control organization in the Department of Trade and Industry. A defining moment in my civilian career was denying Rolls Royce an export license for the RTM322 Merlin Helicopter engine to China. 2006 was the year I left my beloved Royal Navy, it ended my marriage of 28 years and began a new adventure.
Family Joys and Losses
Amidst my professional endeavors, life brought moments of both joy and sorrow. My dad battled stage 4 prostate cancer and passed away in 2006. In 2008, my mom, now living on her own, journeyed to visit my little sister in Indiana, where mum too passed away. The message here is clear: cherish the time you have with your parents.
New Beginnings
In 2006, I met my second wife at a New Year's Eve party, marking the start of a beautiful relationship. Both divorcees, we embarked on a journey together, raising her two daughters. Today, we're immensely proud of the young women they've become, each venturing into their twenties and carving their paths.
Family and Challenges
My son, now 43, faces daily challenges due to pain but continues to soldier on. He's blessed me with three grandchildren, although the distance between us limits our interactions. Meanwhile, my relationship with my daughter grew strained after my divorce from her mother. Yet, I'm immensely proud of her achievements as a solicitor, despite not being part of her recent life events, being invited to here wedding or meeting here two children.
Navigating Challenges
My civilian life wasn't without its hurdles. I faced jealousy from others due to my experiences and knowledge but persevered, earning the respect of those who genuinely valued my guidance. I gained a law degree with the Open University in 2016 and many of those I mentored went on to achieve success, which I hope they attribute to our shared time together.
A Second Chance at Love
In 2017, I embarked on a new adventure, getting married after a lengthy engagement. Together, my wife and I witnessed our children graduate and establish their careers. Our bond grew stronger during the challenging pandemic years.
A Fight Against Cancer
As I stand here in 2023, I'm grateful for life's blessings but have also faced health challenges. I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2023 and underwent a robotic prostatectomy on August Bank Holiday and, thankfully, the prognosis is that I am essentially cured although it will be a while until I am entirely in charge of my body clock again.
The Road Ahead
At 64, I'm approaching retirement age, with my state pension on the horizon in a year or so. I look forward to the experiences that await me, hoping for a more relaxed and enjoyable retirement. My dream? Strolling along a beach, savouring fish and chips, and indulging in a weekly game of crazy golf with my significant other. Perhaps, one day, it will become a reality.
Poem
Such in life, one cannot predict
How much of it will be so strict
Sometimes happy sometimes sad
You take the good and handle the bad
Bouncing back, can be oh so hard
Playing out the lifetime card
Some you meet with shadow plans
Will envy your life and they won’t be fans
Be wary how you make your way
And be thankful for every day
Be careful who you invest your time
They’ll deliver the goods and then the crime
Keep the faith, in yourself I say
For every dog will have its day
In days of hope, wishes and dreams
Don’t get involved in envy schemes
Wherever you are, and whatever you achieve, keep the faith and just believe