INSPIRATIONAL

As an adult, I was visiting my parents. I noticed my fathers suit had a rusty safety-pin on his lapel. I remembered as a child he would wear it, but I never questioned about why. Out of curiosity, I asked and he smiled as he began to tell me why. He had me count the…

Once, l was saddened by the death of my friend; Chief Petty Officer Maurice Tuck. This for me was unusual, because my military job taught me to control my emotions. Death in the military is inevitable, but the mission must continue. When I expressed my sadness, my good friend Will Johnson tried to console me by saying,…

In 1970 (yes, I said 1970), I was a kindergartner, a quiet kid who was a joy to my teachers. Having grown up in the south, everyone had a nickname, it usually had to do with whatever unusual characteristics you possessed. For example; if you had large teeth you would be called “Buck Tooth John”,…

Tuesday was my first day of treatment. Even though I have been here before, I admit I was a bit nervous. However, to my surprise, I was greeted in the waiting room with hugs. Jody was first, not saying a word, but her embrace said it all (I’m sorry, I’m happy to see you, I’m…

What drives one person to a overcome while others give up before the fight? We all have our reasons as not to “fight a good fight”, but I chose not to be lead like sheep to the final slaughter house. I chose to fight back and live. So has the man I wish to write…

WORDS OF A CHILD I have had MANY visits and stays in the hospital. Not all for a problematic situation. On one occasion I entered Maine Medical for a post transplant infection. I was shuffled to the Barbara Bush division. There I was placed in a chair while children were doing what I believe to…

Life is about perspective. Sometimes it’s how we look at a situation that will determine if we benefit from it or fail. When I was scheduled to receive my transplant, Dr. Vella started me on immunosuppressant drugs a few weeks out. This was done by giving me a dose of pills twice per day, knowing…

Thursday presented me with another surgery. Thank you to the great staff at Maine Medical Center who took great care of me and allowed my son to watch the procedure. This makes procedure number 43 or 44, but who’s counting.?  And yes, I was back in the gym two days later.?? Someone asked me; “Does…

Charlene’s Corner… During my depression days and when I was feeling nothing but sorry for myself and at the bottom of the barrel, Will would remind me there is only one way to go when we are down and of course that is UP. I would often reflect on that and when I was in…

All who know me, realize I’m not the type to give up. I, (before my illness) was a top bodybuilder in Italy and Europe. Then came kidney failure, osteoporosis, bilateral quad tears and at the time, over 20 surgical procedures. After my transplant (I was still not near 100 percent), but I thought I would…

Before my transplant, I was not the outgoing father with my kids. My energy was so low and I would get sick unexpectedly, hindering any family outing plans. My kids loved to go to Jokers, but many trips were canceled due to my last minute energy loss/sickness. A few months after my transplant, my son…