My thoughts are being gathered, while sitting near the running track at Cooper River Park, on the Collingswood, NJ side of the river.
It is a beautiful sunny day in the high 70’s, much like a day I spent here about two and a half years ago.
On that day, I ran the joggers course twice, which is roughly seven and a half miles.
This achievement was very pleasing, because I hadn’t run at all in about three to four weeks. Not bad for a guy who was running for fun, piece of mind, and, most of all, good health.
This was early September of 1981, when I achieved this run. I had run further distances in Florida, but that was on a beautiful beach.
When the ocean is at your side, it’s a lot easier than noisy cars and trucks, plus the exhaust fumes they leave off.
My determination during this run was very satisfying.
I always gave it my best shot at anything that had to do with sports, which I've loved since I was 8 years old.
The reason I hadn’t run in past three to four weeks was due to my moving back to Oaklyn, N.J. This move was made after spending the summer months with my two great sons, Steven age 6 1/2 and Erik age 4.
We spent this time together in Cocoa Beach, Florida, with my brother Dan, and my niece Michelle. We rented a beautiful home on a canal, with a built-in pool, roughly four blocks from the ocean.
Late August of 1981, we drove north to N.J. to hopefully find the same happiness that we shared in Florida.
My sister Sandy was to deliver my first nephew about five days after arriving home.
This added to my excitement of coming home to stay.
The move back was to become very stressful and emotionally tough on me.
This was the second time in a little over a year that I had to find another job.
I firmly believe that the adversity that was to follow in the coming months led me to my life-threatening situation.
The reason behind writing this book was hoping I could help others, who might be battling with no hope, like myself!
A positive attitude and great inner strength is what is pulling me through this very tough situation, which even though I'm "disease
free" today, I live in terrible chronic pain, every day of my life.
I underwent a very serious Neck Surgery in 1992, a Total Right Hip Replacement in 1995, been rear-ended twice while waiting @ a red light in 1995 & 2008, had someone whom was intoxicated fall on top of me @ a Professional Football Game in 2003, & about a year ago I underwent major surgery on both knee's at the same time, because I am a Surgical Risk every time I go under Anesthesia.
I personally believe the "Death Sentence" on 11/26/1982 made me a stronger person to deal with MY LIFE today!
I am not a writer, but I sincerely believe that I can help others through my inspiring experience.
"Counted Out" : The Battle That Never Ends