What is The DHB Project?
I’m just a Dad trying to make the world, leave the world, help the world, something,…a better place for my kids, for all the kids. Sometime, or maybe during the course of the last few years, I’ve come to realize that I don’t really have any special skills. I’m not incredibly good at anything. I’m never going to be famous, or particularly rich, or have anything really that makes me stand out as it were… and for the record - that’s okay.
Still, because I am 56 I’m at that point in my life where I’m starting to wonder what’s it all for… that kind of thing…
I figure at the very least I can be a Decent Human Being.
That’s it. That’s all - pretty simple, eh?
A Few Years Ago…
I was lucky enough to retire at the age of 47. I then spent a lot of time doing… a whole lot of nothing really all that remarkable - except being sick.
I had a heart attack in the summer of 2018. This made me give up my first bad habit, smoking. I’m not proud when I tell the story of the nurse who said: “How long have you been smoking?” To which I replied - “On and off for the last 42 years…” Nope, not kidding. Bummed my first cigarette from my babysitter when I was 7 years old. Yes, disgusting. Like I said - I’m not proud.
In the fall of 2019 I fell ill with pancreatitis. Spent nine weeks in and out of the hospital. Had 3 surgeries to clean things out as it were, and I had to face reality as I was forced to admit that I owed this battle to a bad habit - drinking. I really liked craft beer and bourbon, and I made sure I had as much as I could, as often as I could - because… well drinking.
In the early 2000s I started hanging out with friends who drank with some regularity and I just naturally fell in. It was fun. It helped me feel better as they say (More on that another time perhaps…), and because I took that keen interest in the craft part of alcohol consumption - I sort of passed it off as “normal.”
So, are you an alcoholic?
The answer to this question is difficult, but I suppose technically, if we’re just talking about consumption numbers, the answer is yes.
That being said:
I didn’t have any trouble giving up alcohol, though that may be because I was in and out of the hospital and hopped up on pain meds for 9 weeks… I admit I wonder.
I am aware though that regardless of what the answer to that question is - I do have an addictive personality.
So, while I do sometimes take a sip if someone says - “Ooh, this drink is really good,” I don’t order my own drinks and I can say that in the last 5+ years I’ve probably had maybe a half glass of alcohol combined.
The one time I “split” a Guinness with my wife as we prepared to depart for a trip to Ireland - I took three drinks and spent the rest of the evening checking my side for pancreatic pain. So, like I said - sips, and then not many.
That’s what this is all about then…
Not many sips. All things in moderation… etc…
But most importantly - Who am I? and How do I treat people?
But primarily - How do WE treat people? and Why?
A Long Time Ago…
I had a blog, and I used social media to tell my story as it were. If I’m being honest - I’m not so sure I like that story as much anymore…
So, I moved to this platform with this thought in mind. I have something to say about being a Decent Human Being, and setting a good example, and just in general sharing some thoughts on the human condition, from an everyday Dad’s perspective. Will this turn into anything? Will the project fizzle? Or will it take off and lead to a big book deal or something? Who knows… But it’s time to find out. Here we go. As they say in The Bear - Let it rip…
Who are you again?
Hi. I’m Jim (Jimmer) Brochowski.
I retired from the Columbus Metropolitan Library in 2016. In 30+ years I did everything from putting away books, to scanning microfilm, teaching computer classes, and a number of jobs in between. Then I fulfilled my secret dream to retire one day and run The MJB Foundation full time.
Really I’m just a Dad. I have 3 daughters. That’s not what I say when folks ask because it’s awkward and uncomfortable for them sometimes. Running The MJB Foundation is my way of keeping alive the legacy of my daughter Meghan Joy who we lost at 15 months. This isn’t the life’s work I would have guessed for myself, but it is a mission I embrace, a position I am proud to hold. I’m Meghan Joy’s Daddy, but I’m also very proud of Kailey and Delaney. Being there for all of my children, in whatever capacity, is my biggest priority.
When I’m not running The MJB Foundation, I play ice hockey and golf, spend time trying to find ways to write (my secret dream before MJB), and working (sometimes) on a number of ongoing projects around my house.
I came here to muse on life’s condition. I feel like some folks might like to follow along…
Welcome back!
The world needs more Decent Human Beings, now more than ever.
I look forward to reading about your quest!
You are more than a Decent Human Being. You and your entire family were always amazing to work with and so caring during my golf course years. The MJB Golf outing always held a special place in my heart, and still does. The work at the golf course could be long and hard on some days, but having a group of people like your family made it all worth it!