The Second Chance

Today, I am celebrating the four week anniversary of my Second Chance. Besides looking for a job and spending some quality time with Miss Moosie, I’ve had a chance to reflect back on the last four weeks.

And last night, I made my redemption by returning to track practice (as a spectator, of course) and the Checkers Board meeting. Oh and yes, I do have ten witnesses who saw me eat a salad instead of woofing down wings and pizza (Tom D. has taken my place in this task).

I am still amazed at the well wishing, prayers and thoughts I am still getting. I am fortunate to be honored with such wonderful friends and family. And I continuously thank you all from the bottom of my heart. All of my cochlear implant and running friends are like a second and extended family to me.

I am also blessed by a most wonderful family especially wife, nurse, cook, maid, laundress, driver, etc. Steph. I thank you and love you from the bottom of my heart (but please spare me all the mushy stuff!).

Some of you may not know this, but I’ve decided that perhaps maybe God gave me a second chance because he had a purpose for me and decided to keep me here a little longer. So I have taken up reading the New Testaments and hopefully, find some solace in this purpose.

I have also decided that I am a mere mortal. Yesterday, I took off my “gung-ho” suit and signed up with one of the finest trainers in Buffalo for cardiac rehab. Not only will I find out what kind of healthy lifestyle I need to lead but I’ll should also be able to achieve my goal of collecting a few more dead rabbits….Greg, both Eds, T, Fig, Darlene – are you listening??

I have learned a lot over the last four weeks. Life is a precious commodity. It need not be taken for granted for we all live once. And we might as well live it to the fullest. And as I said to my son when we got home from the hospital…

    “Its not my turn yet…its just not my turn”.

This is my Second Chance and I am thankful for every opportunity to have it.

4 comments for “The Second Chance

  1. Evelyn Gardner
    July 29, 2009 at 9:27 am

    We would be lost without you Sam! Getting a second chance makes life have different meaning. You are here for a purpose and a great one. I am praying you find a job that will be of benefit to the employer and to you too. Now enjoy being able to run again while you inspire others.

    Your CI pal,
    Evelyn

  2. July 29, 2009 at 8:02 pm

    Thanks for sharing your insights with us. God does indeed have a purpose in allowing you to experience a “Second Chance”, Sam, and we will all benefit from your reflections.

    Continued prayers for you and a big hug,
    Sheila

  3. August 3, 2009 at 8:34 pm

    Sam,

    I, too, am glad you are getting a “Second Chance.” And the New Testament is a good place to start reading, too! You do have a special purpose in life and I pray that you will find it!

    Hugs and blessings,
    Laurie

  4. Margie Fitchlee
    August 6, 2009 at 8:26 am

    Dear Sam…. I have been wondering how you have been and very happy to see all is progressing well for you…I still can’t believe that the night after you took the time to meet me that you had a heart attack…I am so glad that as you say it just wasn’t your time…we all need you to continue your work as a wonderful mentor for cochlear implant wearers and those contemplating being a wearer…I still want to thank you for all your insight…I see how successful your life has been since you received your implants…on this coming Monday they activate my implant…I am both excited and nervous at the same time…but I will keep all of the wonderful implant receipients I have met on my mind to remind me that brighter days are ahead for me…and I hope for you too as you embark on rehabilatation to make your life stronger and healthier…God Bless…Margie

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