93 (A World War II Vet Story)

What is the significance of this number? How does it relate to my hips? my hope? my attitude? my outlook?

I had the good fortune of having a long chat over a late lunch which turned into dinner with a fellow hippie who was visiting from the opposite side of the country. I have met people over the course of the last ten or so years from Virginia, Minnesota, and Florida who have all battled this opponent called FAI. We have maintained contact over shared battles getting insurance coverage for FAI to be standard (as opposed to investigational). We have maintained contact to celebrate continued success of hip health. Weddings, growing children, advocacy. For most, the opponent was knocked out in the first round. For me and others, there is a second round because the opponent was able to stand up again and continue wreaking havoc.

So as I am enjoying a conversation with my new hippie friend. I feel a tap on my shoulder. I turn around and the gleaming eyes of a man full of pride asks, "Have I shown you this?"

With a quizzical expression, I am sure that we invite him to tell his story. He has a smartphone and a printed link for his story on a piece of paper. He is current with technology it appears, but his story dates back to World War II. You see, he is a 93-year-old World War II veteran. He has a sparkle in his eye, he has seen the horror of war, but he is hopeful and he enjoys life. He enjoys humor as we laugh about silly stuff - really very silly stuff. The chortling kind of laughter that soothes the soul even in the midst of my hippie pal's pain and discomfort. He has suffered much, I assume, as a veteran of one of the most horrific wars in history. Throughout his life, he remains hopeful and connected to others. He has a smile on his face that is contagious.

So the number 93 to me represents the kind of attitude that I want to cultivate - the strength of the human spirit and the ability to be grateful in spite of challenges.

For more information, check out Leonard's story: http://www.hometownheroesradio.com/ex-pows-thankful-heart/