They Call Me Gabe
Have you ever been asked to describe yourself? We all want to say, “I’m awesome.” Some of us can say that without lying. I would love to say that about myself, so I will, I’m awesome.
Of course there’s the question of what awesome refers to. Some can be awesome friends or listeners, others awesome celloists, awesome gamers, awesome hot dog eaters – you get the point. I’ll let you decide what kind of awesome I am.
Life isn’t about the good luck or bad luck that comes your way, it’s how you react to it.
In 2009 I ran my first 5k. I ran it to get in better shape, to be more healthy, to be more active, but mostly to impress a girl I was interested in. It didn’t work. What it did do was ignite an actual desire to be healthy and active. So that’s what I did.
I ran a 10k, swing danced, volunteered, did a Tough Mudder, ran a half marathon, worked on an Extreme Makeover house, all kinds of things. Then 2011 happened.
Right as I was the most active I had ever been my legs started acting weird and I was eventually diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, or MS. That started a series of hurricanes blowing in every so often that bring constant change.
It’s not the most fun I’ve ever had, that’s for sure. However, life isn’t isn’t about the good luck or bad luck that comes your way, it’s how you react to it. It’s a struggle to be positive at times but I think I’m doing a decent job.
What does this have to do with writing stories? Nothing but also everything. Inky Johnson, who’s UT football career was cut short due to an injury, once said, “God allows things in our lives not to hinder us but to redirect us.” I can’t run anymore, I can’t swing dance anymore, but I can still write. If this is God’s redirection I hope I do him proud.
