Take a Deep Breath...Step Up...Dive In...And Don't Forget The Courage!
Put 'em up, put 'em up!
So what makes me think it will work this time? I mean, for ten years I've been attempting to shed the excessive weight that I've been carrying around with no luck. Sure I've had my moments. 20 to 25 pounds here and there, only to come back, and always short of the 50 or 60 that I need to lose. The realization that something bolder, more drastic, or dare I say radical needed to be done regarding my generous girth...
Before I go any further, I'll give a little background on myself. I grew up in Brooklyn New York, the youngest of seven children. I served 4 years in the Navy as an enlisted Aircrewman, flying off the deck of aircraft carriers. I had the privilege of wearing the badge of a New York City Police Officer. I also happen to be a happily married father of seven children myself. I know what courage is, I might have even displayed this virtue myself a time or two! All this being said, the greatest display of courage I witness every day, comes from an anxious, apprehensive eleven year old boy. My son Tommy.
One would reasonably ask, how does a worrisome little boy display courage? Well, my son Tommy has autism. Every day for him contains fear and uncertainty. He misunderstands and is misunderstood. He is left out and overlooked. He holds in what he should let out and let's out what we wish he could control. Yet Tommy gets up every day and carries his burden without complaint. He is aware of his autism, yet approaches his life determined that his autism will not define him, but that he will define his autism.
...this is courage.
So, where does this fit in with my belly hanging over my belt? Well, after looking back at the accomplishments in my life, I noticed that I seemed to be at my best when I was doing something for others. I also know that if I do something as radical as make a spectacle of myself for the amusement of others, I'll be more likely to follow through with my convictions. Nothing motives ones courage like throwing yourself to the wolves! My sons has also inspired me to do something more with this quest of mine than to just lose weight.
Anyway, here is my pitch:
Starting November 2nd, I plan to travel my road back to fitness. I will attempt to lose 40 to 50 pounds, keeping a running blog of my efforts, the good, the bad and the ugly of it. I will do this for 90 days, with my final weigh-in on January 31st 2013. I have also set up a fundraiser to raise money for a local group who are near and dear to my son and family, Ocean Cure. Ocean Cure is a non-profit organization, dedicated to giving free surf lessons to medically
fragile and at risk youth and adults. Tommy has been surfing with them for 3 years now. I'll be talking more about these folks in future posts, let's just say these tremendous people have a way of opening doors for others who have been written off. I can't begin to tell you what they have done for our son and for others.
The other intent of this blog is to help spread the awareness of autism. The rate that autism is growing is beyond alarming. My greatest hope is that my son can succeed in a world that is not catered to him, but one that has adapted to him, and can fully appreciate his uniqueness and utilize the wonderful talents he has to offer.
So there you go, my goal to "Shed to Shred". (Thought I'd throw some surfer lingo in there!) I'll be leaving my heart, soul and hopefully much poundage on the doorstep for this cause I've created. Hopefully I can give a laugh and a tear where I can on this journey. You can donate via Crowdrise, my link is Shed to Shred. Please help me meet my donation goal. I'd also appreciate your prayers for my strength and perseverance.
Here goes nothing!
