Contributor Life Lessons:
Bennett Cunningham (Author of Raising Gaybies)
*Are you happy at the moment?
Yes. I have a wonderful husband, 2 amazing kids, our health and our family. Life is great – and I am very fortunate.
*If you could go back and say anything to your 16-year-old self now – what would it be?
Have more sex. I got started planting my seed when I was 17 – and if I came out of the closet earlier – I bet I would’ve had more fun – and become a bit more mature earlier in my life.
*What’s the most important thing you’ve learned this year?
Patience isn’t a virtue – it’s a miracle. My husband once told me kids will teach you patience. I didn’t have any to begin with – so I guess I have more than I did before – right ?
*What do you most want to achieve in the next 12 months?
Find my 6 pack. I want to be fit for myself and our kids – and I want to believe under my skin there are 6 abs. Right now – it’s a fantasy.
*What’s your secret to happiness?
Medication. I am not a big drinker of alcohol – I do not smoke – I do not use illegal drugs – so how the hell do you expect me to survive in this family – on chocolate?
*What one ritual or practice keeps you grounded?
Kissing my husband and kids goodnight.
*What’s your biggest regret?
Not coming out of the closet sooner. I would have been happier – in my teens.
*What’s the most important lesson you’ve taught your kid(s)?
Take responsibility for their choices. I do not tolerate lying and deceit – and I want our kids to “own up” to their mistakes and know that their choices – have good and bad consequences.
*What bad habit would you most like to change about yourself?
Biting my nails. Can’t break the habit. Help me?!
*Aside from motherhood/fatherhood and marriage what are you most proud of in your life?
My Emmy awards. I am very proud of my journalistic accomplishments. I rose as high as I could in my career – so I am content about that.
*When were you happiest?
The day I fell in love with Michael. He is my soulmate and the love of my life. I can remember the day in Tuscany – under the dark blue Italian summer sky him saying he loves me. What a moment in time.
*What ten words best describe you?
Goofy, Loving, Honest, Witty, Handsome, Caring, Thoughtful, Trustworthy, Geek, Cautious
Bennett Cunningham is a Bankruptcy Attorney licensed in Texas and is a former investigative reporter for KTVT (CBS station) in Dallas. Bennett has garnered 7 Regional Emmy Awards, including the Best Investigative Reporter in Texas 2 years in a row, as well as several National Awards for his exposés into the mismanagement of taxpayer dollars and government waste. Bennett is also admitted to practice in the US Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas and the US Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Texas. He is a member of the State Bar of Texas, The National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorney’s and the American Bar Association – and most importantly, a stay-at-home dad.
