Chuck Slate

High on Life: an Autobiography Chuck Slate

My wife Marilyn and I were talking one day about some of our experiences. We decided that we had learned a great deal and had gone through some funny experiences, some agonizing experiences, some sad experiences and some absolutely hysterical experiences. I felt another book coming. Marilyn thought that would be a good idea. I talked it over with our children, expecting them to not think kindly of having parts of their life exposed. They all thought it was a great idea! There have been some really traumatic moments, especially in my kid's lives. They all said, "Tell the truth!" My normal writing style (according to my way of thinking) is 'talking in print.' The only way I can write is how I speak. Since I have been accused from time to time of being extremely opinionated my writing may be a little crude, "that's me!" One of my co-workers said, "When I first met Chuck, I thought he was crude, crass and rude. After working with him side by side for sometime I find he is none of those things ­ just highly opinionated and a terribly hard worker!" My comment has always been, "at least you do not have to guess what I mean!" In my normal writing style I have attempted to describe my life from what I can remember about my childhood, through my teen years, my marriage to Marilyn, our kids, our foster kids, my work (I did shorten this part because trying to cram the details of 35 some-odd years of work experiences into my autobiography would not only become boring but very tedious reading) and finally my retirement. Some of the incidents which took place as I was growing up and also the times our kids were growing up, the family thinks are hysterically funny. Maybe you had to be there, but I did the best I could to take you through those incidents as if you were there. My first two books "There Are No Bad Kids" and "Never Underestimate The Arrogance Or Stupidity Of Government" were written as a result of a traumatic experience in our lives and the second describes what I believe created that trauma. This book - "High On Life," creates a completely different atmosphere. The title came as the result of one of my children becoming hooked on cocaine. I faithfully believe that no one needs a narcotic to get high ­ LIFE is the only high necessary! Even in the worst of times, I have learned valuable lessons and have really enjoyed my life. My direction has always been ­ life on Earth is Heaven and as someone said?"And then you die and enter the Hell of the grave! My belief is that all we have to look forward to is tomorrow, so make the best of each day. Living that belief is why, I believe, I can find humor in the uncomfortable moments and why I am able to overcome most obstacles. I have always said, "I wish everyone could enjoy life as much as I have! All it takes is a little planning, follow-through and the love of a good woman!" The last chapter of this book will never be written but you can be assured that part of my life will be alive, dynamic and full of enjoyment!