23 Comments
User's avatar
Kay Walten's avatar

Phil asking "what kind of life do you want" to an eighteen year old who didn't have permission to want one yet. Most people never get that question from an adult who actually means it.

Michael Jensen's avatar

You're right. And it meant the world to me. Honestly, my time in Australia completely changed the trajectory of my life.

Burtman's avatar

What a beautiful and touching piece this is. I'm glad you had such good men in your life and I'm sorry that they are no longer physically with you (although they obviously are still with you).

Michael Jensen's avatar

Thank you, sir. I'm lucky to have known them.

Marcelo & Paul's avatar

I celebrate myself and my husband only. No man gave me advice or steered me in any direction, I had to do it all on my own and it took me a lot longer to get where I’m today. I’m stronger because of it….but I wish a had guidance. Life would have been easier.

KewtieBird’s Photo Journey's avatar

What a lovely trio of father figures!

Michael Jensen's avatar

Absolutely. Together they added up to more than one pretty good dad!

Jefferson Graham's avatar

Wonderful storytelling--quite a life you've had! Thanks for sharing.

Michael Jensen's avatar

Thanks, Jefferson. And thanks for reading!

kristen (omventure.com)'s avatar

So. Beautiful.

Joanne Gilbert's avatar

Thanks for sharing this lovely tribute to three remarkable men who helped shape your life. I was blessed with a wonderful dad who taught me that the secret of happiness is finding someone to love and doing something you love. It sounds like your three dads-by-choice imparted the same wisdom.

Michael Jensen's avatar

They did! And I’m glad you have such a great dad. That’s always nice to hear!

Joanne Gilbert's avatar

Thanks, Michael! My dad died in 2017 and I miss him daily.

kristen (omventure.com)'s avatar

P.S. Just in case you are out walking the beach, we are sailing by right now, waving!

Michael Jensen's avatar

Waves back!

Charlene's avatar

This was a really lovely read, thank you. I'm currently reading my first ever Ann Patchett novel (Whistler) and it's about the relationship between a young girl and her stepfather who was only her stepfather for a few years, but who made a great impact on her, and her reconnection with him years later. I'm really enjoying it.

Michael Jensen's avatar

Thanks, Charlene. I hadn’t heard of that book. I’ll look for it!

KellyB's avatar

Really a great piece, and makes me thankful for my dad!

Michael Jensen's avatar

Thank you, Kelly. Very much appreciated. And I'm glad you have such a good man in your life!

Sharon Swan's avatar

Thanks for sharing this.

Michael Jensen's avatar

Thank you for reading it!

DenizB33's avatar

❤️❤️❤️