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 train and try to regain my “professional natural bodybuilder status”. I was encouraged not to do it; saying, it would be impossible because, “no one had done it before”. …After a few years of training “again” and doing a few shows, I felt I was in a place where I could win. I placed a close third in an earlier competition and thought I would devote the entire year to accomplish this goal. I was on a mission and my son, Mitchell Smith was my biggest cheerleader. Being in middle school, I was still somewhat of a heroic figure in his eyes.
😊. He told me; “Good luck dad!” “Bring back that Pro Card!” Off to Bufalo, NY to claim my prize. I was sooo ready to win. To claim back a bit of my self worth that I had lost through sickness. I placed second…….
On my long drive back, I received that dreaded unwanted phone call from my son. “Hi Dad!” “Did you get it, my pro card?!” “No”, I replied. “Sorry, but I got second.”
There was a long pause……….
“You know dad; you could easily be at home sitting and not training because of you disabilities.” “No one could fault you for doing this.” “I see what you go through and how difficult it is for you.” “I’m STILL proud of you, that you continue to try.”
I admit, I teared up. There was again a long pause……….
Then my son said; “So when you get home, go back to your training and next time, BRING ME BACK MY PRO CARD!”
Some of us use excuses to keep from achieving a goal. We hold others or our circumstances hostage because of our lack of wanting or doing. We don’t want to take responsibility or give the effort. Yes, I am disabled. Yes, it is harder for me than most. Yes, I have medicines that work against me. And yes, my body is not 100 percent. So what?! I will not let these “little things” keep me from reaching my goals. No one will deny me if I don’t hinder myself. No one will tell me what I can our cannot do if I don’t listen to their poison. If I believe and work, one day I will achieve..
I still train. I train harder despite the obstacles……….
I got my pro card.😊.
I didn’t place well in my first pro show (I may have placed last or next to it).
So, I returned home……………..
and I’m training.
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