“However small, first step is hardest of all.” – Dave Matthews Band
It was just a ‘silly’ concert. At least it was supposed to be…
In December 2003, I was still struggling with having been told about eventually becoming blind. The prior 5.5 years had essentially been living in classrooms, libraries and in front of computers so that I could finish college before that occurred. But after having enjoyed a concert in the Chicago area the prior summer, I decided to take a chance and head into NYC after my last final. I knew it would be a challenge, but decided to take the chance.
I don’t remember all of the details of the evening. But the important parts are this – it ended up well and its success gave me the confidence to do so much more. While I don’t remember the exact point (some point between Dancing Nancies and Up on Cripple Creek), I do remember looking up at the ceiling and saying ‘it’s all going to work out’.
And for the most part, that’s been true over the last 18 years. That initial success gave me the confidence to do and try so many other things that were ‘scary’ to me at the time. Those early successes became cumulative and helped me to be ‘okay’ trying the adaptive sports world.
While 2020 and 2021 were a bit derailed due to the pandemic, I have a lot of exciting stuff planned and penciled in for 2022. Hopefully it will all fall into place. To see how it all turns out, please follow the blog or @nocrappyexcuses on social media.
I was fortunate enough to have an opportunity to thank Dave in person in 2018 after one of the shows at Northerly Island. The post photo is from that post-show meeting.
