The MOMENT -- that changed my perspective on life

It was the day after my fortieth birthday; a significant reality check-point along your life path anyway, but that's not what changed my view.  I was the victim of a drive-by shooting.  A car load of young males (late teens?) pulled along side of me and put a .38 caliber bullet thru my passenger window towards me.  I guess I was fortunate that it ONLY hit me in the right forearm, passing in front of my chest and into my left ring finger gripped around the steering wheel.

I didn't realize I had been shot for several seconds.  My first thought was they threw something like a brick or rock at my car.  I stood on the gas pedal and took off.  5:1?  Momma didn't raise stupid babies.  It was 15-20 seconds later (I think) before I felt my left ring finger 'tingling'; it was 10:30 at night, too dark to see.  I felt the raw meat with my thumb as I let go of the steering wheel.  About the same time I felt blood running down my right elbow and pooling heavily in my lap.

It was that moment my life changed.  Because for the next several minutes -- maybe 20 or 30 -- I wasn't sure how bad I was.  Would I bleed out before getting to help?  Was I dieing.  Was my life measured in minutes?

Obviously I lived.  That has been a very long time ago -- close to 20 years.  I still have ulnar nerve damage in my right arm.  The only thing is lost feeling in my two little fingers.  Just have to be careful putting my hands in my tight jeans.  Sometimes 'pinkie' doesn't get into the pocket.  They salvaged most of the finger tip on my left hand.  But my soul is different.  I see things different than most people; but honestly who doesn't?  But how many have ever honestly thought that their life could end in the next few minutes?

I think being happy -- having fun -- is one of the most important things in life.  But with that comes a balance of not having fun at someone elses expense.  You can't step on others in the process.  But you had better make today a great day because tomorrow is not guaranteed.  And don't accept excuses.  Whether it's the job you have or the life you lead, have fun and don't step on anybody in the process.