As our lives unfold, we recall notable events as anecdotes that capture what engaged our attention on each occasion. As such, we are all story tellers. Whether told in writing or verbally, we can trace the patterns of our lives through the many anecdotes that have accumulated as the years passed by. The 50 short stories in this collection are the vehicles I have used to look back over the 80 years of my life so far. They provide overlapping glimpses of many lived experiences that were foundational elements in how I came to see the world, and the various ways I endeavoured to make sense of it. Struggle and challenge have been familiar companions. Yet, I was born with innate drives to never give up and to learn from everything. Also, my optimistic outlook on life and insatiable curiosity, impelled me to engage in a wide variety of activities and to pursue many interests. Equipped thus, I have been blessed with much happiness and many successes. Written in a conversational style as a celebration of life, I hope you will find each story entertaining, surprising, informative, or at the very least, food for thought. I have certainly enjoyed writing them.