Looking back, I realize that I often find myself dwelling on the past more than I should, especially when it comes to my life twenty years ago. The number “20 years” carries a certain weight and mystery—it stands out and instantly transports me to October 2005. That era, much like other periods in my life, was marked by upheaval and uncertainty as I tried to figure out my professional direction.
Early Career Challenges
In 2002, I had graduated college and was just beginning to navigate the workforce. Instead of settling into a single role, I was restless, hopping from job to job in search of something better. This constant search made that time pivotal in shaping who I was.
Kong Veterinary Products: Searching for More
During that period, I worked as a sales associate for Kong Veterinary Products, a company specializing in pet toys and food. My days were largely spent making cold calls and assisting existing customers. John Nelson, my boss, was a stern but fair leader, and my colleagues included Jennifer and Adrian, along with their sisters Erika and Luz. Despite the stability of my position, I always felt a longing for something greater. This was evident in the emails I wrote to coworkers and supervisors, expressing my feelings of being undervalued—even though I had only been at the company for two years. Building connections with others was very important to me, yet I frequently felt isolated or misunderstood.
Pivotal Changes and Loss
By November 2005, I made the decision to leave Kong Veterinary Products and pursue a new opportunity as a Financial Aid advisor. This role allowed me to work alongside my former bookstore manager, Albert Prado, who went above and beyond to help me secure the position. Unfortunately, my time in that role was short-lived; by July 2006, after my Aunt Liz passed away from cellulitis at the age of 46, my life took another turn. That event triggered a series of changes that would shape the years ahead.
The Impact of Choices and “What Ifs”
Reflecting on those two decades, I see that while I now have a family of my own, back then I was moving forward but soon found myself taking unexpected detours that ultimately led me to where I am today. I cannot help but wonder how things might have unfolded had I stayed on a different path. Would I have met Delia, my wife? Would my daughter Mikaylah be here? Could I have avoided some of the darker moments, or achieved milestones like owning a home or rising to a leadership role in my career? There is no way to know for certain, and endlessly pondering “what ifs” is not productive. Still, that chapter remains a defining part of my life. It reminds me of “Back to the Future Part II,” where a single change in the timeline alters the entire course of events. Perhaps my own turning points operated in much the same way.
Support and Absence
Sometimes I think about who was present in my life during those moments, whether offering support or simply watching over me. I do not mean to imply that my family did not care, but at that point they were focused on their own lives.
Lessons from the Past
Twenty years can bring immense change. Some people look back with regret, others view the past as a source of lessons, and some choose not to look back at all. For me, the past is important—it offers lessons, whether learned or missed, that influence the decisions I make today. No one knows what the next twenty years will hold; whether I am still here or not, life moves forward. All we can do is continue learning, appreciate each moment, and recognize the value of life, even when it is not always easy to do so.
Joe Meyers Adventures 