I’ve colluded with sinners and dined with saints, and I couldn’t tell you whose company I prefer, but I lean toward the former. They are more upfront with their intentions.

I’ve pushed brooms and had my own seat in the boardroom, but only one of those ever felt honest.

I’ve been friends with lawyers, judges, police officers, and governors, been to their homes, and helped raise their kids. And I’ve detoxed in a jail cell with a man whose name I never knew.

I’ve flown first class for vacations, and I’ve hitchhiked and borrowed money for gas to get to work.

I’ve lived in a tent and owned seven homes.

I’ve worked for minimum wage, and I’ve cashed six-figure checks.

I’ve had friends with Ivy League educations and friends who earned their GEDs in a halfway house.

I am a middle school dropout, an engineer, and a CISO.

I’m a writer, a father of four, a widower; I’ve been divorced, and I’m happily married.

A lifetime spent in between two worlds, never knowing which one was mine. Never feeling like I belonged to either and equally owning both.