(IN) COURAGE

828 a dichotomy of major life events.

Wanted to share how this day has a dual meaning for me. 
Oddly enough, I have a few duel events I celebrate throughout the year.

828 or August 28th is a date that is hard to forget.

It was 2008, I had been at my job nearly 5 months.   

At the time I was a healthy/strong (or I thought I was) 155 pounds and active in Martial Arts (Muay Thai and Tai Chi).  I was also working upwards of 80 hours/week.

I woke up with my hands and feet tingling, almost like they were asleep, but they felt like they touched a stove. Meanwhile, I was starting to deal with a terrible toothache and sinus infection – later I would find that they were connected.

After giving it a week or so, I went to my primary doctor and dentist.

Dentist told me that I needed a root canal, Doctor prescribed antibiotics and some tests.

I would go down a path of numerous rounds of anti-biotics and oxycodone from going through multiple dental procedures. Due to the medication, I couldn’t keep food down, and in the course of a few weeks I was down to 125 pounds.

Over the course of almost a year I also underwent numerous medical diagnostic tests including those for ALS and MS. Some of which were very painful, on top of the pain I already had. At the time, I didn’t think there were any solutions.

Then a friend suggested an Atlas Orthologist, a chiropractor that works on the neck joint.  After a year of pain and suffering I was asked ‘what is your diet and lifestyle’ for the first time.    When I admitted my diet consisted mostly of candy and soda (probably 2 liters a day) and working 80 hours/week, I realized quickly that was bad.

She also looked at my MRI and we both noted that my sinus looked completely clogged. After getting a cat scan it was confirmed that I needed sinus surgery.  
I’d end up quitting soda and candy after that surgery. In fact, the last soda I had was after my spinal tap.

In Summer of 2009, due to the recession, I was put on mandatory part-time as the company went through a few rounds of layoffs. I wanted to see if teaching Martial Arts would be a potential path for me if I was next in the layoffs.

So, I started Karate when I was just healthy enough to be active. With Karate, I found my soul food and my life has never looked the same since.

(Left: First Day Karate July 2009, Right: One year later)

Fast forward to 2016, we just bought a house, and we were looking for a puppy.
When found PittieLove Rescue and were asked if we’d consider a new momma. 
At 2 years old, Candy was surrendered to the MSPCA pregnant, for her fourth and final time. PittieLove Rescue made sure she had a home to have her puppies. All the puppies were named after pieces of Candy and found wonderful homes.

After seeing her photos, I knew instantly she was meant to be. On 828, August 28th after having her in our home a few weeks to be sure, we formally adopted Candy Marie Schulte.

Candy completed our family and our house a home and my life has never looked the same since.

(Left: First photo we saw of Candy. Right: Car ride to Adoption Day)

“And all things work together for the good”
Happy 828