I retired unexpectedly and spent the final year of my motherâs life by her side. That time changed me. It slowed me down, forced reflection, and reshaped what I thought retirement would look like.
Before retiring, I had ongoing prostate issues that limited many areas of my life. About a month after retirement, I woke up one morning unable to walk. At first, I assumed it was a strain, but after traveling to Houston to see my doctor and getting X-rays, the recommendation was clearâI needed a hip replacement.
After seeking several opinions, I chose to move forward with surgery at INOV8. The year 2023 became a year of repair. I underwent prostate surgery and a full hip replacement. It was a challenging year, physically and mentally, but also one of rebuilding.
Later that year, while attending my nephewâs wedding in California, I met a dog who had lived in six different homes. Something told me she needed stabilityâand that she was meant to be with me. On April 19, 2023, after two weeks, she moved with me to Houston, Texas.
I had never owned a pet before, so everything was new to me. But I truly believe God has a plan.
She had gone by several namesâBella, Luluâbut she didnât respond to any of them. One day on a walk, I told her, âYou donât seem to answer to those names. What do you think about a new one?â I went through a list: Xena, Cleo, Athena, Venus, Nikeânothing. Then I said Hercules, and she jumped. That was it.
Hercules helped me through my recoveryâwalking long distances, sometimes eight miles a day, as I healed from both surgeries. Wanting to give her the best life possible, I enrolled her in training at Bellum K9 with Shane and his team. During the evaluation, I was told something that stuck with me: sometimes itâs not the dog that needs training.
I completed their online program, trained Hercules myself, and in the process learned how to train a dog properly. I eventually became certified as a dog trainer. Since then, Hercules has been my constant companion.
I retired without a clear hobby, aside from going to the gym. Over time, I realized I preferred keeping things close to home. I built a home gym in my garage, which now shares space with the tools I use to learn woodworking and build with my hands.
Under the Hercules name, I initially launched a foldable e-bike business featuring 750-watt motors. The bikes sold well, but when the warehouse moved to California, shipping costs to Houston became impractical. Rather than force it, I chose to pivot and learn something new.
Over the past few years, Iâve focused heavily on my health. Iâm now off all prescription medications and take a disciplined approach using peptides, supplements, and doctor-supervised protocols. I prioritize open conversations with my physicians, continued learning, and responsible experimentation. My focus is simple: faith, health, and longevity.
Today, Hercules 37 LLC represents a new chapterâlearning woodworking, experimenting with epoxy, exploring laser engraving, restoring items from auctions, and documenting the journey along the way. This site exists to share that process honestlyâthe wins, the setbacks, and the lessons learnedâwhile building something meaningful in retirement.
This is a journey of healing, discipline, creativity, and companionship. And itâs still being written.