BORN INTO A FAMILY OF WEALTH and privilege during World War II, Mark Erwin’s childhood was less than normal or happy. The son of a free-spirited, socialite mother who was used to getting whatever she desired, he witnessed her decline into depression, alcoholism, and despair, which almost destroyed the family. This could be called a story of “riches to rags and back to riches” with plenty of life lessons between. As a teen he was headed straight for disaster when he met his Lord while locked up in juvenile hall at age sixteen. A kindly judge, perhaps in response to Mark’s prayers, gave him a chance to redeem himself. An Unlikely journey follows his miraculous path from this rocky beginning to the curious and extraordinary places and positions neither Mark nor his family and closest friends could have ever envisioned. With no financial resources, little education, and few prospects, he overcame many challenges to achieve success in business, philanthropy, politics, diplomacy, and life, developing along the way a credo to “Make a Difference. Do Good. Have Fun.” Erwin is truly a self-made man, though for all of his accomplishments, he considers his family the greatest achievement. His wife, Joan, and he have been married forty-four years and have reared two wonderful daughters, who in turn have rewarded them with three beautiful granddaughters.