Well the South Texas has come and gone and again you fans made it a sellout show. Beni Lopez did a phenomenal job in her first guest posing assignment and I’m sure she’ll be getting plenty of opportunities to show her posing and dancing skills off again. Trish Warren simply blew us away with her routine and general demeanor and I count myself very lucky that she and Branch are my friends. The competitors were awesome with their skill, ability, and personality. Talk about giving physical fitness a good name. These guys were truly a pleasure to work with, again a great show. The next day doing the seminar with Kevin Leverone was incredible and I especially want to thank Millard Baker for showing it live via muscletime.com.
I had a very pleasant experience recently that I’d like to share with you. What some folks may not know about me is that I like to go to community events. Unfortunately often times my schedule does not permit me to attend many. But I go when I can. Anyway the other day I attended an event designed to bring out community awareness (put together by my good friend Blas Telles). I was there to present some prizes to a few winners and I had a great time. As most of you know I’m a big ham on the mic and I enjoyed my time on the stick. I must say those folks were pretty brave to give me a live mic knowing my history of not being totally correct (politically of course) at all times. It truly was a wonderful time and everyone was great.
Occasionally I get down about certain events in my life whether it is a failed relationship or a missed job opportunity or just getting the poor me blues. Well a little known fact about me (even those closest to me don’t know until now) is when I get like this and feel overwhelmed I go visit hospitals especially the sickly. I’d usually not share this but it’s needed to illustrate my point. Recently during one of my visits I was surprised to hear my name called. I was surprised because I usually try to go where I’m not recognized. Anyway I walked into the room and began a conversation with this gentleman I had a passing acquaintance with. We talked and laughed so hard I thought I’d pass out. In what seemed like no time, hours had passed. I told him good bye with the promise of returning the next day. He asked why was I there, if I’d known anyone in the hospital and I confessed, no I had selfishly come to remind myself how blessed I truly was and to see if I could lift someone’s spirits. He said go home mission accomplished for today. I had made him feel the best he had in years. I thought this was a nice complement and went on my way. The next day I returned and was heartbroken to find he had passed moments before my arrival. As I walked wiping tears from my eyes I bumped into his wife. As I was giving my condolences she stopped me and told me to rejoice since he was in a better place. She went on to tell something that was sad but exciting to hear. I now share with you that tale.
As I walked those halls the day before I was caught up in my own thoughts so I was oblivious to those in pain around me. This gentleman was in pain and asking for help. He had been calling for a while when I passed by. He recognized me walking by and called me by name causing me to turn. I of course seeing an acquaintance responded as I respond to all I know with my familiar “What up fucker” and began to crack jokes and act silly. Well my friends, laughter is truly the best medicine because he felt tremendously better and no longer felt pain. In fact I never knew he was in pain. After I left his wife arrived in minutes and he went on to recount what had just happened and relived the time we’d spent together. He’d told me the truth in saying that was the best he’d felt in years. He’d even cracked up reliving one of those stories prior to my arrival. After which he told his wife to make sure she told me this tale then relaxed his head and peacefully passed away.
I only tell this story (a special and sensitive moment in my life) to illustrate the point. You never know what effect your actions will bear on someone’s life and realize you are blessed because you’re not promised tomorrow.
Live life and be good to one another
