As part of my spiritual journey, I attended Brigham Young University. Although I was not yet a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the university’s uplifting spiritual environment had a profound impact on me and remained a guiding influence throughout my life.

At age eleven, I became a Boy Scout, and Scouting quickly became a significant part of my life. It led to memorable adventures, lifelong friendships, and valuable leadership experiences. In college, I joined the Scouting service fraternity, Alpha Phi Omega. As an adult, I served as a Climbing Director at a Scout camp and later as a District Chairman in my local council. For me, once a Scout, always a Scout.

A major turning point came when I was twelve years old. In March 1961, my paternal grandmother passed away. The following month, my maternal grandfather died. His death hit me especially hard because he had been a steady source of love and support in my life. Then, in July, my paternal grandfather passed away as well. Losing three grandparents within just a few months left me grieving, confused, and emotionally unsettled. Though life moved forward, that unresolved grief remained quietly present in the background for many years.

Music was another important part of my upbringing. As a boy, I often fell asleep listening to my father play the piano and sing songs such as Beautiful Brown Eyes and Goodnight Irene. Although I made several attempts to learn piano, I did not truly enjoy playing until I was in my fifties, when I learned what my teacher called the “sing-play” method. Today, I find great joy in singing and playing many of the songs I love.

My sixth-grade choir director recognized my talent for singing and encouraged me to develop it. My mother found a voice teacher who helped me learn proper diction, projection, and vocal technique. Singing has remained one of the great joys of my life.

My father struggled with bipolar disorder. During his senior year of high school, he spent time in a state mental hospital, an experience that was deeply difficult for him. In those days, effective medications were not available. To cope, he relied on naps, cigarettes, and alcohol. Watching his struggles left a lasting impression on me and created concerns about my own mental health.

When I experienced significant emotional stress during my senior year of high school, I sought help from a psychotherapist who guided me through that challenging period. Throughout various stages of my life, I have continued to benefit from psychotherapy and have come to appreciate the value of emotional healing and self-understanding.

How did I come to write this book?

From the time I joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 2000, people frequently encouraged me to write down the stories I shared about my spiritual journey and conversion. I treasured those comments and often reflected on the possibility of writing a book, but years passed without action.

Then, over a period of many months, I felt repeated spiritual promptings to begin writing. I resisted at first. Finally, in 2015, while having lunch with the president of the Manhattan Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he asked me about my conversion story. After I shared several experiences that now appear in this book, he encouraged me to write them down.

The temple is a sacred place where I seek to hear the voice of the Lord. Because of that, his encouragement occurred as more than casual advice. It felt like a divine invitation even a mandate from God to record my journey.