I've come to accept that life isn't always easy; while some days are just a challenge others can quickly turn out to be a down right beautifully hideous disaster. But, it's how we handle those impetuous moments of adversity and struggle that truly shape our character, it's those moments that show us what we're actually made of and come to define precisely who we are as individuals. Now, in a perfect world with perfect weather: traffic is nonexistent, every yesterday is as incredible as every tomorrow, everyone treats everyone else with respect, flights are never delayed, drinks never spill, prices never rise, and our Amazon packages always arrive on time. There is no pain, there is no suffering, there is no disappointment, and every passing moment is just as beautiful as the next. But, that's not the Universe we live in.

So, we have to adjust our expectations to fit reality. And unfortunately, that rarely lives up to the planned perfection we've crafted in our minds; which in turn leads us to feel emotions like annoyance, irritation, frustration, and yes even anger. However, that's not who we are in a perfect world when we're happy and content while everything's going our way though right? So, we dismiss these feelings as not being apart of our personality. Well, I hate to be the bearer of bad news but regrettably we live the majority of our lives in that altered state of natural discontent simply because that's our reality. Life is messy and things aren't perfect. So, in order to grow and develop as a sign of maturity we have to get used to managing who we become in those moments of malcontent. Simply, because that's what truly defines who we are the vast majority of our lives. Not in a bleak depressing sort of way but in a way through which we come to appreciate the perfect carefree moments of life just that much more explicitly due to the times we've spent in it's antithesis. Victory after defeat is that much sweeter, sunshine feels brightest after a storm, you only appreciate the calm and quiet after you've been surrounded by pandemonium and chaos, such is the duality of life. I'm telling you this because sometimes circumstance can slap us in the face and force us to confront our own attitude when dealing with less than ideal situations. I know this because that's exactly where I am today.

So, why am I here? Well, I'm here because like other men before me ever since Prometheus stole it from the God's as a gift to humanity I failed to show fire the respect is deserves and like Prometheus I too will now be eternally tormented with a staunch reminder of my transgressions. Although, it could be much much worse so for that small miracle I am extremely grateful. Long story short (funny coming from me I know) while clearing some storm debris in the yard and lightning it on fire I decided to use gasoline instead of lighter fluid (if you take nothing else from this please heed my warning and do not make my mistake, the fumes from gasoline travel further than you think and burn hotter than you can imagine) and even though I was some distance from the fire the fumes instantly ignited and backdrafted directly to my leg where a faint amount of gasoline had dripped down from the can. Overall I'm exceptionally lucky that it wasn't worse, way worse. However, to that effect please understand that while initially superficial burns might not seem that bad they are exponentially more destructive than they originally appear. I've included a timeline to illustrate the progression of my burns, not to shock you but as a cautionary tale. Should you ever find yourself in a similar situation, I implore you please seek professional care from a Burn Unit as soon as possible, as time is not on your side. Luckily, I was referred to the University of Florida Burn Clinic in Gainesville, and as painful as it was as a diehard Florida State fan and alumni I went, and I'm tremendously glad I did as I could not have been in better hands. All in all the experience has forged my character through literal fire and completely altered my relationship with pain. I promise you whatever pain, emotional or physical, you've felt in your past I pray you never experience this level in life. It's indescribable, and I'm usually pretty good with words. All I can say is retrospectively I see now why so many super hero and villain origin stories begin in fire. It legitimately either makes you or breaks you.

As for my next steps of physical therapy, occupational therapy, post burn treatment, skin grafting, medical bills and all that that entails, I'm humbled to ask for your assistance. However, please do not dare put yourself in a situation of disadvantage if financial aid is beyond your reach right now. I am just as, if not more than happy to receive your encouragement, your thoughts, and your prayers. There are far too many things in this world more valuable than money to allow that to be the only measure of someone's contribution. I'd like to thank everyone (especially the one) who has reached out and been there for me during this entire ordeal, your words and compassion have given me immeasurable strength. And on that note I'd like to seriously encourage each of you, every single one to stop making excuses, make a plan, and get in the gym! One of the most consistent themes I've heard throughout this entire process is that having significant physical strength and broad general mobility pre-injury is one of the greatest contributing factors to making it through a devastating situation like this successfully. As a matter of fact if you can't invest in me, please take this as an opportunity to invest in yourself by starting a gym membership it could literally save your life!

(even if it is Planet Fitness lol). ❤️