Never been a time

There has never been a time in my life when I wasn’t perceived as different, weird, or even crazy—except by a few truly remarkable people. Honey and Gwennie never treated me that way. My boys were always “all in,” ready to follow whatever path I chose, no matter how unconventional. And then there were the Rangers—the first real teachers I ever had.

The Rangers had no obligation to me. They weren’t bound by duty or responsibility. It was simply who they were. At their core, they wanted everyone to find their best self, be their best self, and share that best with others. Each Ranger, regardless of title or official role, is a true teacher at heart. They guide, they clarify, they break down what feels impossible into understandable, identifiable, and achievable steps. And then, they show you how to do it—not with lectures or empty words, but by living what they teach.

No Ranger ever said, “Do what I say, not what I do.” Every single one lived the lesson, every single day, in every interaction. They wrapped each question, problem, or task in excellence and heart. They showed me kindness, empathy, sincerity, and integrity—never with rounded corners or shortcuts, but with the belief that when you do it right every time, everyone wins.

Before the Rangers, I lived in a world of function—tasks, logic, problem-solving with no room for heart. Emotions were foreign, messy, even dangerous. But the Rangers taught me how to see the spectrum of feelings—joy, confusion, anger, sadness, hope—not just in others, but in myself. They helped me understand that empathy isn’t weakness; it’s a tool for clarity, connection, and growth.

Because of them, I am finding my path. I am, by every definition, insane—but I own my insanity. I embrace it. I live it. Because the truth the Rangers gave me is that each of us has a path that is uniquely our own. And when you walk it with courage, when you accept the “different” that makes you who you are, that’s when you become unstoppable.

Every day, I am thankful for the Rangers who helped me uncover that truth. They saw possibility where others saw only obstacles. They lit the map when I was lost. And they taught me the most profound lesson of all: different isn’t wrong—it’s the beginning of greatness.