1.) Who taught you about manhood?
My dad, and in many respects, my own two sons and my daughter. I learn a little more about manhood every day, especially from my boys as I raise them to be men themselves.
2.) Has romantic love shaped you as a man?
Absolutely. My wife of 24 years has helped me grow as a man and a father by her own love, devotion to me and our children, and her endless compassion.
3.) What two words describe your dad?
Brave and loving. I need to elaborate. My father suffered a paralyzing stroke when my mother was pregnant with me in 1959. She already had four other young children at home, and his illness was a major impact on the entire family. I grew up watching him work hard all his life, despite his paralysis, loving and providing for his family.
4.) How are you most unlike him?
Im not nearly as brave as he was, despite spending 25-plus years as a U.S. counterterrorism agent. I faced danger and uncertainty during operations, but all that ended when I retired. My dad couldnt retire from his troubles. They were permanent, but he stared them in the eye and faced them down with resolute determination every day of his life.
5.) From which of your mistakes did you learn the most?
Not listening to my sons as intently as I should on occasion. There were times when they were younger that I became distracted by something, usually a work issue. I didnt give them the attention they deserved, and I could see the disappointment on their faces when they would walk away, dejected. That hurt me so much. I strived to be a better listener since, and to drop what I was doing whenever they needed me.
6.) What word would the women in your life use to describe you, and is it accurate?
Loving. I like to think its accurate. Im not the perfect dad or husband, and I work hard at it, but it would be impossible to call myself either without a strong foundation of love.
7.) Who is the best dad you know, and how does he earn that distinction?
My ownhands down! Not only was he a hardworking father, he always showed me tremendous tolerance and compassion. When I made mistakes, he would calmly put me back on the right track. I seemed to need that quite a few times!
8.) Have you been more successful in public or private life?
Thats a tough one. I believe its been a perfectly balanced mix. My public life as an Air Force special agent and retired colonel has been a great success, and now Im enjoying a successful writing career as an award-winning mystery/thriller novelist. But I would throw that all away if it ever meant my family suffered because of my work. Ive been fortunate in both spheres of life.
9.) When was the last time you cried?
Yesterday. I was working on the third book in my trilogy and crafted a very touching scene involving my protagonist and his son. I try to impart my own personality as a dad in my writing.
10.) What advice would you give teenage boys trying to figure out what it means to be a good man?
Listen to your parents, especially your dad. Every generation thinks its smarter than its parents, and many men discover how wise their dads are/were when its too late. Dads have lived their lives, made mistakes, and have grown in wisdom along the way. Drink up this knowledge.
For Bonus Points: What is the your most cherished ritual as a guy?
Prayer. Silent, private, daily, meaningful connection with God. After all, Hes the ultimate Father.
*****
Michael Angley is the award-winning author of the mystery/suspense thriller series the Child Finder Trilogy, which features a USAF special agent protagonist. Angley retired from the U.S. Air Force in 2007 in the rank of colonel, following a 25-year career as a special agent with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI). Angley is a seasoned criminal investigator and a counterintelligence and counterterrorism specialist.
Angley and his wife of 24 years, Evelyn, make their home in Colorado Springs, Colo. They have three children, and they recently adopted a beagle puppy.
