Optimism is contagious.
A little over four months ago I was dying. Statistics, doctors, and a few friends were skeptical. Removing my heart, the size of a football, was not going to be easy. Friends saw death in the circles around my eyes and the pale color of my face. I felt it although I didn’t believe it.
Ironically, after my brother Brian passed away tragically, I was convinced by the comforting influence of God’s love I wasn’t going anywhere. God’s love empowered me with confidence and optimism.
Photo: The day after my heart transplant 09-10-2009Shortly after I was listed for a transplant, a few of my cardiologists said something to the effect, “Success, is 50% your attitude. The rest is science.”
The principle of optimism should never be under estimated. The men who we refer to as our founding fathers shared this principle, which gave them, power to free the Colonies from England. By this power, Gandhi believed India could win a war of independence without taking up arms. Through optimism people change, serve, love, and lead the way for others.
You might not be a Senator or fly to the moon. You probably won’t be on television. You might not write a famous novel, experience front row seats to a sporting event, visit Italy and see Davinci or Michelangelo’s work, or win the showcase showdown on the Price is Right. However, gravitating to this principle and those people in your life who are optomistic will change you and you'll experience happiness where you never knew it existed.
Photo: Taken January 2010By this power, each one of us can do mighty things. The effects of our optimism and service, with the talents and time we’ve been given have a rippling effect on those around us and effects generations.
With this optimism I plan to live as long as possible with the heart I’ve been given. I will do all I can to help where I can. But, above all, I will enjoy life and do things most of you have experienced your whole life with a normal heart.
Here are few things I've already been enjoying... Am I allowed to brag in this new condition? Absolutely.
Ice Fishing
Temple Square
The Virgin River, St. George, Utah
Golfing in St. George
Fishing Strawberry Reservoir
Climbing the base of Mt. Olympus
Climbing further up Mt. Olympus
Celebrating with my wife Lynnette
Skiing at Snowbird
Playing basketball
A little over four months ago I was dying. Statistics, doctors, and a few friends were skeptical. Removing my heart, the size of a football, was not going to be easy. Friends saw death in the circles around my eyes and the pale color of my face. I felt it although I didn’t believe it.
Ironically, after my brother Brian passed away tragically, I was convinced by the comforting influence of God’s love I wasn’t going anywhere. God’s love empowered me with confidence and optimism.
Photo: The day after my heart transplant 09-10-2009
Shortly after I was listed for a transplant, a few of my cardiologists said something to the effect, “Success, is 50% your attitude. The rest is science.”
You might not be a Senator or fly to the moon. You probably won’t be on television. You might not write a famous novel, experience front row seats to a sporting event, visit Italy and see Davinci or Michelangelo’s work, or win the showcase showdown on the Price is Right. However, gravitating to this principle and those people in your life who are optomistic will change you and you'll experience happiness where you never knew it existed.
Photo: Taken January 2010
By this power, each one of us can do mighty things. The effects of our optimism and service, with the talents and time we’ve been given have a rippling effect on those around us and effects generations.
With this optimism I plan to live as long as possible with the heart I’ve been given. I will do all I can to help where I can. But, above all, I will enjoy life and do things most of you have experienced your whole life with a normal heart.
Here are few things I've already been enjoying... Am I allowed to brag in this new condition? Absolutely.
Ice Fishing
Temple Square
The Virgin River, St. George, Utah
Golfing in St. George
Fishing Strawberry Reservoir
Climbing the base of Mt. Olympus
Climbing further up Mt. Olympus
Celebrating with my wife Lynnette
Skiing at Snowbird
Playing basketball