One of the things I am most grateful for in life is what I think of as our Cohesive Family Unit (CFU). I find it funny, considering that in high school, I couldn’t wait to get away from them—though it was more about leaving the small town I was raised in than escaping my family. It wasn’t because I didn’t like them or the town; rather, I knew I had to go live life beyond everything I had known up to that point. If I were only surrounded by people I already knew, I could never truly figure out who I really was. So that’s exactly what I did—only to discover just how special my family is. Something you only figure out with separation and distance.
No matter where I go in life, I believe I will always find a new family if I stay somewhere long enough. However, nothing can replace your real family. During my travels across the U.S., I always found a sense of belonging with the people I met, and I am incredibly thankful for all of them. Without those connections, I don’t think I would have survived my journeys. To those who helped me along the way—you likely saw a young pup in need, and now I am forever grateful to you all for being my travel family.
After years of traveling and finding success, it was time to fast-forward to a version of my end game: settling down, finding a wife, building a family, and surrounding myself with the CFU. Now, I fully understand just how fortunate and special family is, and I wish everyone could experience that kind of bond. I know the world is complicated, and some people will never have family. But for those who do and have lost their connection to it, maybe it’s time to rethink things. Of course, not all families are good, but if yours is, find your way back.
I was so happy to move to Colorado and call it home after my travels. Within a short amount of time, my parents found their way here too. I met my amazing wife, and we had a child. Now, our son has the joy of living in the same household as his grandparents. Honestly, I don’t know how anyone raises children without live in grandparents! They help so much, and I love that he is growing up with them. My older brother, who now has two kids, lives close by as well, so Roman gets to see his cousins weekly. And the fact that we live on a ranch with dogs and horses, well that’s just icing on the cake.
The only thing I would change now is more family, more kids, more grandparents. A legitimate massive family compound where we all reside and meet up every possible night for family meals. A gathering space for friends and family. A chaotic space for all the youngsters to run wild. That would be the only thing I wish was different. The same just more!
I know this won’t last forever, which makes me all the more determined to truly cherish every day with our multigenerational family under one roof—especially in the mountains of Grand County. I think about the CFU every day and feel immense gratitude for every second we have together. I also know that for many, a life like this would never be possible. That’s part of what makes having visitors so special—letting them experience just a small slice of our current everyday life.
In short, I never imagined things would come together like this. There were a million ways life could have played out that would have made all of this impossible. And yet, here we are—it feels surreal. With so many people around, there is always love, help, and support.
Thank you to my parents. Thank you to my wife and son. And thank you to everyone who helped lead me back to this moment.
This life isn’t something I take for granted, and I wake up every day feeling grateful for the journey that led me here.
Simply amazing.
