Thursday, December 15, 2005

Tagged

I was tagged by Donald to reveal five random facts about myself. This is the 21st century version of those old chain letters, right? I'm fearful that something horrible will happen to me if I don't comply.

so here are 5 ahhh random facts about me.


1. I'm a factory defect and there was a recall on me but my parents failed to take me back to the dealership to get fixed.... I was born with one kidney. I'm missing my left kidney but my right kidney is twice as large as a normal persons kidney.

2. My grandparents grew up on the Leni-Lenape Indian reservation in New Jersey (Shamong Township) and were first cousins when they married hence the factory defect in #1.

3. My parents were very disappointed when I didn't go to the Naval Academy like my cousins but it was the Vietnam war and I was a factory defect (see #1) which kept me out of the Academy and the war.

4. To further my parents disappointment, I went to a Bible College and Seminary and was an ordained minister serving as a missionary for 20 years. They never attended any of my graduations, ordination or commissioning as a missionary.

5. My wife, in 1995, of 25 years ran off with her boyfriend. I was divorced on Valentines day of the 25th year of our marriage. After the Judge pronounced us divorced my then ex-wife asked me if I would perform the wedding ceremony for her and her boyfriend since they couldn't find a minister to do the wedding. I told them NO!

6. I moved to Florida after taking care of both of my parents until their deaths (Yup I'm an orphan), Mom with Alzhiemers (see #2 above) and Dad with COPD. I then decided to move to Florida.

7. After moving to Florida I met some one and proposed then I was diagnosed with melanoma (fast growing cancer). My fiance broke of the engagement due to the cancer and then I was diagnosed with a brain tumor in my left frontal lobes. The cancer has been removed (4 surgeries) and I'm cancer free but the tumor is in-operable because of it's location...So I get headaches, dizzy spells, ringing in the ears, blurry vision etc. The docs don't want me to live alone, but if they take it out it would be like a frontal lobotomy.

8. I had a racing sailboat that I loved and still love to this day. So days when I get depressed, I miss her more than my ex-wife or fiance. I think about buying a new boat to sail alone around the world like Joshua Slocum. But I want to see my grandchildren and do Ironman Kona.

9. I love trainning more that races, especially riding my bike. My times open water swimming are some of the best time here in Florida because of the water and the beaches.

10. I can't think of a 10!


Depressing huh? Aren't you glad you asked?

18 comments:

David said...

An extraordinary life there Oldman. Sadness and intensity. Handicaps and carpe diem. Ex wife had balls to ask you to marry them, but I can actually relate to that in a strange way.

Comm's said...

I have typed and restarted this comment three times now. You have led an amazing life is all that seems appropriate.

soccerdad said...

wow, oldman, that was quite a post. #5 is unbelievable. and yet you've come through all this to be such a successful person. it just proves that with the right outlook and attitude, you can achieve anything.

:) said...

You just concreted my beliefs and suspicions that you are an amazing man, and I think we all try to be better people because we have met you! Thanks for the insight into your life.

Recovering Alumni said...

Wow, wow, wow. Sorry to hear about your wife and fiance!! Clearly, they didn't deserve you. Where did you serve as a missionary?

Jank said...

Amen to all the above - the intensity of your past must really carry through in your training.

TriZilla said...

Wow, Oldman, you are amazing. Get the boat, I say. You deserve it!

Bolder said...

you are an amazing story, and an inspiration -- thanks for sharing.

Linda said...

I'm amazed! Your an interesting man. I'm curious too where you did your missionary work?

Donald said...

Sorry I'm late getting to this but I feel compelled to comment...yes, I am glad I asked. I never would have guessed half of those things. You're an extraordinary person who has been through more than many of us will ever know.

Good luck and blessings to you as you continue on your journeys.

tryathlete said...

Inspiring. No other word to describe you.

Fe-lady said...

I am proud of you as I am sure your parents were...funny what things make us stronger! I was looking for someone to "tag"...but I see you already have been...I will keep looking!

Deene said...

incredible story, people like you make the world go 'round.

Cliff said...

Good story..very inpsiring..

Anonymous said...

Very nice site!
Wellbutrin for amxiety Garage cabinets workbench web site marketing search engine ifni online marketing winterthur delaware conway web site marketing online marketing proctor and gamble international marketing internet Beauty product and skin care Disposal of used tires ethical issues in internet advertising

Anonymous said...

Cool blog, interesting information... Keep it UP http://www.generic-nexium.info/zyrtec-medciine.html Medical malpractice search gay blowjob

Anonymous said...

Looking for information and found it at this great site... http://www.liposuction-cost.info/Mercedes-of-pleasanton.html Zithromax tanning Www rantcollective org dental plans keyword cheap celexa Baking soda to remove hair dye Find find derma e skin care karen ashaway laser hair removal california hair laser orange removal Prwvacid protonix Equipment hair laser removal 2004 volkswagen jetta gli 18t Roulette 2005 by january posted

Anonymous said...

Where did you find it? Interesting read » » »