Active.... the dictionary defines this word as, "Engaged in action, characterized by energetic work, participation; busy."  When we reflect on our lives, can we say we lived an active life?  The six letters of this word encompass the incredible life of one extra-ordinary man, a man who now spends his days confined to a wheelchair.
       It all began in the 1940's in Colorado, where he was raised shoveling snow.  This prepared him for his love of athletics: baseball, football, and basketball in high school, followed by Semi-Pro Baseball as a catcher.  While wrecking havoc on his knees and giving him a stiff back, it enabled him begin his physically taxing career with the Lakewood Colorado Fire Department.
       Around this time, he made the most important decision of his life: to marry Cheryl, the woman of his dreams, the magnificent lady who gave birth to their three sons.  He worked construction part-time while off duty from the Fire Department, so she could stay home and raise their children.  With all of these demands, his knees and back gave out while in his early 30's.  After having several discs removed from his painful back, he continued the career that he loved and became an Engineer.
    Living life to the fullest, taking care of the family, and pursuing career goals finally took their toll when he reached his early 40's.  He wound up in a full body cast for 3 months to help fix his back, while coaching his children with their sports.  This forced him to retire from the Fire Department after 20 years, but he unfortunately earned "occupational disability."  They moved to Las Vegas where they entered a new phase of their lives: their 50's!
      If life begins after 50, then this gentleman serves as living proof.  Moving to the Silver State, Russ worked side by side in the business of one of their sons, servicing pools.  When he was suffering from Back Pain, Cheryl often drove, and he labored but at least they were together.  They did not relent until he turned 65 and got diagnosed with High Blood Pressure, Diabetes, and Colon Cancer.  She stood by his side while he beat the illnesses and recovered from them, just as strong as ever.
     Now some would say that this gentleman could easily stroll through the next few decades spending time with his wife, kids, and grandkids.  Unfortunately, this was not the case.  Six years after beating Colon Cancer, plus enduring shoulder surgery and back injections, he went in for a Back Stimulation, and came out with paralysis.  Two months in a rehabilitation facility, permanent catheter, and a Colostomy, have completely changed his life.  The new Walk-in Shower, the Bed Lift, and the Paraplegic Van are some of the few expenses they have had to endure.  Cheryl keeps up the house and yard while they receive some much needed assistance from their family. 
     So now we have seen the word "Active." This dynamic husband, father, and grandfather worked hard his entire life without any complaints.  He can honestly reflect on his life, filled with tremendous satisfaction and accomplishment.  Suddenly confined to a wheelchair, he still does his best to remain active.