Happiness is being surrounded by good friends that share life’s ups and downs together. Having enough money to enjoy the ride doesn’t hurt either. The summer cottage was closed for the winter. He and Dana moved off Cape, into her sister’s house, where he continued to create his new family of seashell musical instruments.

He desperately wanted to discover the economic value of his new products and decided that a test market would be just the thing. His first venue was the Delray Beach Farmer’s Market, open every Saturday morning, from late November through early May. The execution of his market research plan, however, left much to be desired.

His sister, Kate, had a spare bedroom in her Delray Beach condo, which she offered to let him use for the vending season. Dana felt hurt and confused by his abrupt decision to leave for Florida one cold December morning.

Dana’s father, Howard, understood the passion, drive and risk-taking behavior required to start a new business. Her parents had owned several successful ones. He had made mistakes and poor judgments along the way, but he also had the love of his wife and life long partner, Dana’s mother, to sustain him.

Howard called Michael in Florida a few days later. They spoke in earnest. He told Michael that he considered him family and convinced him to return the following spring. Dana and he eventually came to terms during a trip she made to see him that winter.