Neither a Straight Nor Narrow Journey

I am reminded of the onerous task of writing one's first autobiography, I believe assigned by our eighth grade English teacher, Mrs. Tomlinson. Such self revealing missions, for me, go right up there with: a) completing one's own income tax (something I haven't done in over twenty five years), b) writing one's own will (disbursements of a legacy and financial assets which I intend to expend freely, selflessly and intentionally. After all, it's mine isn't it?), or c) composing one's own resume/vita or obituary (both forcing the issue of "what has he done with his life anyway?").

If avoidance is the issue at stake, I am here to dispel it; only slightly riddled with the guilt for not having completed the "biographic sketch" requested for the 20th Class of '65 reunion.

None of us, I'm sure, have walked much of a straight line or taken an easy path within the last forty years. Consider alone what our country, the environment, or the economy has been through. It's been more like how easily can you adapt, demonstrate flexibility, and roll with the punches or tap dance around fate. For me, the path has been wonderfully circuitous, and the life has been far from straight (more on that later).

I walked out those hallowed doors of MLHS with three accolades: Drama Award, Swim Team Citizenship Award, and Class Artist. All three have followed me through various vocational, professional, or volunteer capacities; I have been an avid theater-goer and volunteer, art gallery/event planner, and part-time diving coach/official for intercollegiate and AAU teams. These activities have been combined with additional volunteer work as an outreach (suicide prevention) hotline operator and AIDS hospice worker.

My career path has been just as varied: corporate quality trainer, real estate/facility planner, regional services administrator, and organizational development troubleshooter. Within the last five years I started my own business as a professional consultant to Connecticut's non-profit/private sector, a change with results that have been far-reaching and tremendously rewarding. Assignments have included; implementing the nation's first Hate Crimes Program, evaluating racial and ethnic disparities in the Connecticut's criminal justice system, and interviewing over 200 substance abusers and prostitutes for judicially sanctioned research of Connecticut's community court system.

I have three wonderful sons: Thomas (37), Jason (34) & Benjamin (30) (working in the pharmaceutical, plumbing and restaurant industries, respectively), and three equally wonderful and precocious grandchildren: Mackenzie (10), Matthew (6) & Zachary (3). I also have been in a truly devoted relationship with my partner Douglas for almost ten years. Thus, I have been out of the proverbial "closet" for almost 25 years and far from the "straight life" previously mentioned.

Douglas and I have been most fortunate to have traveled extensively throughout Europe (several times) and to such far-reaching places as Australia and Russia. One of the most memorable trips was renting a villa in Tuscany for the new Millennium with sixteen family and friends. Our home is in the historic district of Hartford (nearby neighbors of Mr. Twain & Ms. Beecher Stowe - Mrs. Tomlinson would have been proud), where we are forever restoring (moving furniture around or preparing for the next tag sale) a century old Victorian house.

I do regret that I have had very limited communication with my former classmates over the years, and that I am unable to join you for the reunion. I greatly appreciate the hard work and perseverance of the reunion team, who have provided the vehicle to learn of others' journeys throughout these past forty years. I thank you for that. That being said, and hopefully not closing the door completely, I welcome a note, an email or phone call from any of you.

Robert_E_Price@Hotmail.Com