my story
one man's journey to come to grips with his past
every story has a beginning. this is mine.
Every journey begins with a question. For me, it all started when my son came home with a school assignment that required him to delve into our family’s past. He had a list of questions, eager to understand where we came from and the experiences that shaped us. As I sat down with him, I realized there were gaps. There were questions I wasn’t sure how to answer. That I wanted to, but was unsure of how.
This moment sparked a deep reflection on my own journey, the lessons learned, and the values I wanted to pass on to my children. I began to think about resilience, the friendships that had carried me through tough times, and the power of community and connection.
This inspired me to write this book, to not only share my story with my family, but with the world. To inspire a reader to know what they can do, what they can achieve. I am proof it can be done, and I am here to help you achieve. Our success is a reflection of our community – this book is an invitation to mine.

True connection is forged in the shared moments where hearts align, stories intertwine, and inspiration ignites the courage to embrace change together.

a journey through resilience, friendship, and family.
Life often unfolds in unexpected ways, presenting us with challenges that lead to profound insights. This journey began with a simple school assignment from my son, asking about our past. His curiosity made me realize there were questions I struggled to answer. Through this, I discovered lessons of resilience, friendship, and the power of community. These connections became our saving grace, guiding us through life’s complexities and reminding us of the gift we all carry: the ability to learn, grow, and support one another.
Sharing my story on stages like TED revealed its power to inspire and uplift the community. It was from this realization that the idea for my book was born—a way to reach even more people, to spark change and connection. Writing it became a journey of reflection and hope, aiming to encourage others to embrace their own stories and the impact they can have.
the power of community and connection
As I navigated through life’s ups and downs, one constant theme emerged: the importance of community. In times of struggle, it was the collective strength of my community that provided solace and support. Whether it was neighbors lending a helping hand or mentors offering guidance, these connections were my saving grace.
Community is more than just a group of people; it’s a network of relationships built on mutual respect, care, and a shared vision for a better future. It’s about coming together to uplift one another and create an environment where everyone can thrive.
writing the book
With these reflections in mind, I felt a compelling need to capture these stories and lessons in a book. I wanted to document the experiences that shaped me, the resilience that carried me through, and the friendships and communities that enriched my life. This book is not just a recounting of events, but a tribute to the values that I hold dear.
I wrote this book for my son and for anyone seeking to understand the deeper meaning of our journeys. It’s a reminder that no matter the challenges we face, we are never alone. Through resilience, friendship, and community, we can overcome obstacles and create a legacy of strength and connection.
I hope that this book serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration, encouraging readers to cherish their relationships and recognize the incredible power of coming together. We are all left with a gift—the gift of each other.

Special Thanks.
As I reflect on the journey of writing this book and the mission of Hotel Goodbyes, there are many people whose support and belief in me have made it all possible. I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude.
to my family.
First and foremost, to my incredible wife and children, thank you for your unwavering love, patience, and encouragement. You have been my rock and my inspiration through every step of this journey. Your belief in me gave me the strength to keep going, and your support has been the foundation upon which this book was built.
to my friends.
To my friends and everyone who has believed in me, your encouragement and faith have been a beacon of hope. Thank you for standing by my side, for your invaluable feedback, and for always cheering me on. Your support has meant the world to me and has been instrumental in bringing this book to life.
to you, the reader.
Thank you for picking up this book and for taking the time to read my story. Your interest and engagement mean more than words can express. By reading and sharing this book, you are helping to spread a message of resilience, community, and hope. I hope it inspires you as much as the journey of writing it has inspired me.
to those we can help.
Lastly, and most importantly, thank you to those who will benefit from the proceeds of this book. Your courage and resilience are the true heart of this mission. Every purchase contributes to building stronger, more connected communities, and I am honored to play a part in supporting you.
Together, we are making a difference. Thank you for your generosity and commitment to creating positive change.

Gratitude for this life and the opportunities it presents is the lens through which we truly appreciate the beauty of our journey. Each moment and chance we encounter is a reminder to cherish the present and embrace the endless possibilities that lie ahead.
Stephen Thompson is a father, writer, speaker and technology executive focusing on finding the most unique, creative and elite talent and connecting them to a global community.
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