Mike grew up in a household in which emotions were suppressed. Mike attributes this to the intergenerational effects of alcoholism and the dysfunctional ways in which his parents responded to life's challenges. A medical professional recommended that Mike attend an Al-Anon meeting and there he discovered a much wider range of emotional expression than he had previously been exposed to. Over the years Mike has found the Al-Anon program to be invaluable in helping him navigate the challenges, including the emotional challenges, of life at its different stages.