Life has a funny way of changing our plans. Sometimes, just when you think you have found the road you will travel forever, life quietly places a detour in front of you.
Looking back over my life, I realized that roadblocks were never the exception. They were part of the journey. I struggled academically. I faced disappointments, unexpected changes and difficult decisions. I also took risks, built relationships, accepted opportunities and learned that there is almost always another way forward.
I spent nearly 30 years in the Royal Canadian Navy and later enjoyed a 15-year career in post-secondary education. Across both careers, I was fortunate to work with many people who taught me important lessons about leadership, perseverance, responsibility and relationships.
I wanted granddaughter to know those stories—not because I expect her life to look anything like mine, but because I hope she will recognize something familiar when she encounters her own roadblocks.
This book is my attempt to pass along the lessons I wish every young person could hear early in life: do not accept impossible too quickly; study how you learn; work around your limitations; take a calculated risk; ask for help; listen carefully; build relationships; and never be afraid to look for another way.
If a teacher uses one of these stories to start a meaningful conversation with a student, or if a young person reads a chapter and decides not to give up on themselves, then the book will have achieved more than I ever expected.