Hercules And The Heart Attack

I've just finished reading Kevin Sorbo's book, "True Strength".  In case you don't know who Kevin Sorbo is, he played Hercules on the television series about ten years ago.  Like a lot of people, I was unaware he had suffered through three strokes at the age of 38.  In his book, he is quite open about the challenges he faced as he struggled through his physical recovery and then, of course there is the ever-present emotional battle.

I can so relate.  Oh, how I can relate.

I'll be the first to admit I'm not much of a reader, but this book had me from the beginning and I found it hard to put down.  Maybe it was because of the similarities in our stories, our lives?  Whatever the case, once again, I was reminded of my time spent in the hospital wondering if I'd ever be the same and then once at home, quietly crying myself to sleep most nights.

Even though what he went through was so tragic, I have to admit that it was refreshing to know his innermost thoughts while at his lowest points, mostly for selfish reasons.  In my mind, it helped to confirm what had already been there all along... that I needed to face, head-on, what happened to me instead of trying to deny it and then feeling guilty about it all and not knowing why.  Sheesh... it's all so complicated and hard to explain if you've never been through it.

It's life-changing.  Period.  Will I ever be the same?  I hope not.  I hope and pray that the events that have happened in my life have happened to strengthen me in every area possible.

Why do I feel I need to face this head-on?  Honestly, I don't ever want to forget what I went through.  It has refined me and my purpose in life.  It has enabled me to reach out to those going through the same or similar issues with sensitivity and compassion.  I have a story to tell and it's a story of hope.

Hope is to be shared and not denied by pretending it never happened.  Does this mean my faith in God waivers?  Absolutely not.  On the contrary... He is more alive and real to me now than ever before!  Again, hard to explain and probably even harder to understand.

Is everyday a walk in the park?  No.  I'm no dummy... I know that I have a huge role to play in making sure my health is at it's best.  There are those days where it's all almost too much, but I also know the risks if I don't take responsibility and show some self-discipline.

As for Hercules... he admits he was once a 'Jerk-ules' with an attitude and an ego of a mega-star that nothing could bring down.  Now, ten years after facing his own mortality, his life will never be the same, either.  And, according to him, it's never been better.



S.