ABOUT THE AUTHOR
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
MICHAEL DRAKE
Michael Drake; Father, Husband, teacher and entrepreneur. Michael's journey shifted direction after nearly two decades in education. Through loss, change and deep reflection he discovered the power of perspective. Writing became not just a passion, but a purpose. His book, The Paradox of a Mortal Mind, is a testament to resilience, reinvention and the pursuit of an authentic life.
A Life in Motion:
The Story Behind
The Paradox of a Mortal Mind
1981
Born into Gratitude
I came into this world in 1981, one of four kids, with three incredible sisters and two of the hardest-working parents you could imagine. Our home was filled with love, laughter and the occasional sibling chaos. My parents worked tirelessly to give us a good life, and even when things were tight, I never felt like we lacked a thing. I’ve always felt truly lucky to come from a family like mine.
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1980s
Road Trips, Roots and Big Trees
The '80s were all about family. We spent countless weekends making the six-hour drive back and forth to Montreal to visit relatives. Time with my grandparents was priceless—especially the hours I spent climbing the tree in their backyard, a place that felt like my own personal fortress. Those moments rooted me. I also made strong friendships at school—bonds that, remarkably, have stood the test of time and are still part of my life today.
1991
Loss and the Lessons of Grief
That year, my grandfather passed away. It was my first real encounter with loss and mortality. It left a mark. But it also deepened my appreciation for the fragility of life and the importance of family ties.
1990s
The Sport-Crazy Years
If the '80s were about connection, the '90s were about movement. This was the decade of sports—my escape, my passion, my identity. I played rep hockey, threw myself into football and watched as my sisters excelled in rep baseball. Our family was constantly on the go, juggling games, tournaments, practices and road trips. Sports didn’t just keep me active—they taught me discipline, teamwork and how to handle both victory and defeat.
2000s
Finding My Footing
I graduated university in the early 2000s after playing football at the collegiate level. Those years were formative—full of lessons in independence, resilience and self-discovery. I stumbled and got back up more times than I can count, but with each fall, I found my footing a little more. It was a time of figuring life out, slowly but surely.
2008
I stepped into the classroom as a high school phys ed teacher in 2008. It was more than a job—it felt like a calling. I had the chance to teach young people about fitness, health, and life skills and to this day, I still get a thrill out of showing someone how to throw a tight spiral. But I wasn’t just teaching—I was also hustling. I worked multiple jobs, trying to get ahead, to build something stable for the future.
Teaching and Hustling
2010 - 2013
A Beautiful Chapter Begins
Everything changed when I met my wife in 2010. Smart, strong and full of heart—she grounded me. Life began to take on a new kind of meaning, one rooted in partnership and shared dreams.
We Said “I Do”
We got married in 2013, surrounded by people we love. It was the start of a life we’d build together—one of purpose, laughter and unwavering support.
2016
In 2016, our daughter was born. I became a father—and nothing would ever be the same. Holding her for the first time was the most powerful moment of my life. It cracked me wide open in the best way! She became my reason, my anchor and my greatest teacher. She is my ‘why’.
The Day Everything Changed
2020
The Great Pause and Awakening
Then came 2020. COVID hit, and the world shifted. Life slowed down, and with that stillness came reflection. Deep, sometimes uncomfortable reflection. I realized I had been living on autopilot—sacrificing myself in the name of productivity and routine. That year marked the beginning of an awakening. I started questioning everything: how I spent my time, what I valued and what I wanted to leave behind.
Then in December 2021, my godmother Ellen Drake passed away. Her loss deepened those reflections and reminded me just how fleeting time really is.
2023
A Personal Loss, A Deeper Shift
In October 2023, my family was hit with a devastating loss—my father-in-law Fred passed away. It was an incredibly difficult time, and I knew my place was at home. I took time off to be fully present for my wife and daughter, to help hold things together when everything felt like it was falling apart. Those weeks were raw and painful, but they were also full of quiet moments that reminded me how precious time and presence really are.
I was scheduled to return to work two weeks later, but something in me knew I wasn’t ready. As a teacher, I’ve always believed my students deserve the best version of me—and at that moment, I couldn’t offer that. So, I made the decision to step back and give myself the space to heal. I used that time to reflect deeply, get healthy in mind and body, and ask myself some tough but necessary questions. Who am I outside of my routine? What kind of life do I want to live—and what kind of legacy do I want to leave?
March 2024
A Friend, a Wake-Up Call
I returned to work feeling more grounded, energized, and committed than ever. I had fallen in love with teaching again and was showing up as the best version of myself daily. But then, in March, another heartbreak—Joe passed away. His Celebration of Life was a powerful reminder that time is not guaranteed. I stood there in that room, shoulder to shoulder with hundreds of others, listening to his story, watching his family grieve and I broke.
That loss reignited something inside me. It stirred a sense of urgency to write, to reflect, and to create something that would outlive me. Writing became not just a way to process grief, but a liberating path forward—a way to honour the people I’ve lost and the life I still have.
April 2024
That month, I began writing letters to my daughter. Not for today, but for the future—for those moments when I may not be there, but my words can be. It started with small stories, lessons, and memories. But soon, it became more. The writing unlocked something inside me. I found myself waking early, staying up late—pouring my heart onto the page. And from those quiet hours, The Paradox of a Mortal Mind was born.
A Legacy is Born
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And Here We Are
This timeline isn’t just a sequence of events—it’s a journey of self-discovery, growth, love, and loss. It’s about learning to be still in the chaos, to find clarity in confusion, and to choose purpose when the path isn’t clear.
The Paradox of a Mortal Mind is my attempt to make sense of it all—to reflect, to honor, and to share. If any part of this resonates with you, then maybe this book has done its job.
Thank you for being here. This is only the beginning.
