I was raised in a conventional American household during a period of transition as the long-established American cultural norms gradually receded. Born in 1957 into a devout and conservative family, I was the second dependent child with both an older and younger brother, as well as a kind younger sister.During my childhood, I was exposed to music regularly as a result of my father's professional singing experience in a Baptist church and my mother's impressive piano skills. As a developing child, I frequently heard them playing together on the grand piano in our tranquil home. Additionally, my father was dedicated to maintaining his trained voice.

My mother was a devoted Christian who possessed exceptional talent for evangelizing. As a compliant second-born child, I did not experience any significant social issues within our affluent family. My admiration for my parents stemmed from my constant observation of their remarkable abilities. My mother, who was regarded as a saintly figure, had familial ties to Sr. Isaac Newton. Additionally, my deceased grandfather's brother held an unusual position as the mayor of Miami during the 1930s. Moreover, my paternal grandfather was the proprietor of an accounting firm located on the fifth executive floor, which afforded a convenient view of the ocean in the incorporated town of the historically significant city of Miami.

In an ideal scenario, the election of my great uncle as mayor helped to establish our esteemed family in the social hierarchy. My parents, who were dedicated to maintaining our social status, regularly attended gatherings hosted by local influencers in the incorporated city. Additionally, my paternal grandfather's wealth added to our prominence. As a dutiful child, I naturally became my paternal grandmother's favored offspring. During my childhood, I would commonly spend my weekends with my grandparents. On these occasions, my grandmother would take me shopping in the Gables with great attention to detail. Specifically, her preferred retail establishments were Sears and Pennies. The love and affection I received during these times undoubtedly contributed to the enchantment of my childhood.

At the age of seven, my committed father accompanied my brothers and me to watch the renowned film Shane at a secondhand theater located in the town of Miami. This was my initial cinematic experience in such a setting. The film left a deep impact on me and I was captivated by the characters' portrayal. My fascination with people was further amplified, leading to a multitude of joyful experiences. My mother possessed a unique talent for instantly enchanting those around her, leading us to frequently attend social gatherings due to her sociable nature. Eventually, she chose to pursue a teaching degree at the University of Miami, where she excelled. One notable instance of her creativity was when she skillfully orchestrated the placement of our family on an intricate float for the annual New Year's parade.

My father, who maintained a youthful spirit, had a strong interest in sports. I was raised in a highly competitive household, with three active boys frequently engaging in organized football games in the neighborhood. Through the social prowess of my mother, the boys were able to join the local football league, with my father forming a friendship with a youthful coach. Consequently, my younger brother and I were selected as offensive backs in a highly effective offense that primarily utilized running plays.As a result, we engaged in intense competition to achieve the highest number of touch downs in a successful year. I consistently scored 30, while my counterpart purportedly had 28. Our performance earned us a significant reputation, and for the first time, I gained considerable respect from adults. I found great pleasure in being admired as a young athlete.