Who is Thomas Shaw?

That is a difficult question. I claim to be a simple man, However, a woman I dated accused me of being like an onion with many layers. So, I guess it is up for you to decide.

I am a cancer survivor on the downhill side of middle aged. When first informed of the diagnoses I remember thinking, fuck, I may die. Dying did not frighten me. What frightened me was the fear of the unknown. Translated, that means I did not want anyone to have to wipe my ass. While cancer is no longer the death sentence it once was, you just do not know. Because of that, I looked back at my life.

As I looked back and reflected on my life, I have no regrets. I was fortunate to have two parents who sacrificed for me and my sister and brother. I am the oldest of three, born in New Orleans, LA. Early on we moved to Europe and the Middle East for my father’s job. We were fortunate, we could experience different cultures before globalization really took hold. We were far from being rich but did not know how close we were from being poor. Hell, we had a Volkswagen you had to push it and pop the clutch so it would run.

I am a divorced father of one. A beautiful daughter.

My philosophy in life has always been to treat people with respect. Treat everyone the same, the way I want to be treated. To try and make a difference in people’s life. Weather it is a smile or a greeting in the elevator, life is hard, and you never know what kind of day that person is having.

I have never liked asking for help. That must be from the toxic masculinity I have. Or it may just be a selfish trait because I enjoy helping people when I can, and it gives me pleasure. Why do I have a problem letting someone else have that same pleasure? May Freud can answer that.

I am extremely interested in other people’s lives and experiences in life. I may be one of those people you meet who talks to much and asks to many questions. My daughter thinks so.

I like smart and strong people but bring your facts. While we are born with an unalienable right as being equal, we are not equal. Some are smarter. Some are better athletes. Some are skinny and some are fat. However, I hate seeing someone taken advantage of someone else and will do what I can protect that person.  

Living in a city known for its food and restaurants, I would rather cook for you instead of going out. Why is that? Anyone can pay a tab!

I like romance and to be able to treat a lady like a lady. Old fashion or chauvinistic? No, it is respect. I like smart and strong ladies. I would always remind my daughter when she was growing up, life is hard and there is no place for a helpless woman.

I like the idea of being in love. I am just not good at it.

I believe in God. While I am not deeply religious, I do believe without God there is no hope.

I get joy from seeing other people achieving a dream. But reminded by a quote from Jurgen Rapp, “Live your dream but do not dream your Life.”

I was told I have a fetish for coats. They may be right. I have 8 jackets and live in a city that the temperature goes below 50 maybe 3 times a year.

Politically I believe in a Liberal Democracy and Capitalism. I have no use for either party because there is no difference. I am a conservative by Sir Roger Scruton’s definition which is, “adapt what is best of the past to the changing circumstances of the present”. The best of the past is the Constitution.

I like cigars, cocktails, cooking and conversation.

A dreamer?  Maybe!

So, you see, Thomas Shaw is a simple man.