During our four-year engagement at the theater, where we managed the food booth and observed various performances, we witnessed a significant cultural transition. This period coincided with the emergence of smartphones equipped with internet connectivity, which began to permeate daily life. I observed a marked shift in social dynamics, as individuals increasingly relied on their mobile devices for communication. Concurrently, the nation experienced an unprecedented economic scandal, representing a pivotal moment in our country's financial history.

I operated a business that specialized in the installation of trim within residential properties. Our typical workflow involved completing one subdivision before transitioning to another. I was poised to commence work on a new subdivision when, almost overnight, the stock market experienced a significant downturn. This decline coincided with political figures purchasing stocks from individuals who were obtaining loans to acquire homes. The housing market was highly active, with buyers purchasing properties with the intention of reselling them. The demand was so intense that builders were able to sell land for prices exceeding the costs associated with both construction and the sale of the homes situated on those parcels.

The market experienced a significant downturn due to the overheating associated with substandard lending practices, resulting in builders being left with devalued land. Consequently, I secured employment at a retail establishment, albeit at substantially reduced wages. Concurrently, our active involvement in the homeschooling community necessitated a considerable adjustment period as we both transitioned into our respective jobs.

A retired Chief Executive Officer, during a routine gas station visit, encountered a homeless individual situated near the entrance and chose to provide him with financial assistance. This interaction profoundly affected him, particularly upon discovering that the city lacked adequate homeless shelters. Drawing upon his extensive experience in corporate development, he resolved to establish an organization aimed at addressing this pressing social issue.

Following the performance, we volunteered to oversee the food booth, prompted by our son's involvement in an improvisational theater group. My wife served as an instructor for the ensemble. Our son displayed exceptional talent as a performer, leading to consistently sold-out audiences on improv nights at the theater. The majority of the participants in this improvisational group comprised homeschooled children.

Over the course of four years, I attended approximately fifty theatrical performances, with my son participating in around thirty of them. My personal favorite among his performances was his lead role in "Holy Canoli." Additionally, my preferred play overall was "Romeo and Juliet." I have viewed all of Shakespeare's works, and I believe he excelled in capturing the profound emotions experienced by two adolescents in love. I found myself deeply impressed by that particular performance.