Network Marketing Journey

“Time is a companion that goes with us on a journey. It reminds us to cherish each moment, because it will never come again. What we leave behind is not as important as how we have lived.” -Captain Jean-Luc Picard, played by Patrick Stewart, from the film Star Trek: Generations.

During the early years of our lives we spend so much of our time looking forward, dreaming of what we want to be. We laugh, play and dream of becoming doctors OR the actor who plays one on television only to spend the latter part of our life looking back on those dreams.

I decided to stop looking back and start dreaming again.

The Wonder Years

Growing up I always considered my life to be quiet and therefore, boring. Even though events in the early part of my life would shape me to be a very introverted and fearful person, I was gifted with a sense of adventure and wonderment. This would create quite a conflict within for many years as my adventurous side would try to make its way out.

I was born on June 1st, 1975 to my parents, Richard and Beverly Draayer, in a small hospital in the town of Albert Lea, Minnesota. I was to be the first of three children; Cheryl came the following year and 8 years after her Laura entered our lives.

My parents raised me to believe in God, his values and a quiet life shared with loved one although I would struggle with wanting a quiet life. On Sunday’s we made the weekly visit to a small church and during the week I attended the Hollandale Christian School
(HCS). I attended that school from K - 8th grade and have fond memories of recess, art classes (my specialty) and friends.

One such memory, details a day out on the soccer field.

On this particular day, I was elected to be the goalie. I hated being the goalie but since I enjoyed soccer the most, I didn’t complain. As memory serves, the members of the opposing team were rushing my way, determined to score. My palms were sweating with anticipation as they gained ground, continuing to control the ball and took the shot. I side
stepped to block the ball, and succeeded but didn’t realize that I would be stopping it point blank, with - [wait for it] - my face.

After Hollandale Christian School I entered the public school system and it was a big culture shock for me. At my previous school we had a very relaxed environment and had one teacher for the entire year. The curriculum was also more relaxed and consisted of religious subjects and story times as well.

The years before High School were a quiet time for me but I discovered some foundational truths about myself as well. During this time I would develop a love for music and art.

Encouraged by my Aunt I began to delve into many forms of art. I spent time on free hand drawing, charcoals, watercolors, oil paints and played with other forms of art over the years. Free hand drawing came easy for me but I remember many summer vacations spent up north on Ruth Lake being taught by her in the forms of oil and watercolor painting.

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