Pay it Forward!

I have always been the giving type. Money serves little interest to me, what is important are the times you have to remember. Those moments that you can reflect on later in life, the impact you can have on a friend, family member or complete and random stranger.  I credit this part of me to my upbringing. My family always found time to be compassionate for others. If you know me personally you know that my definition of family has little to do with blood lines, and everything to do with relationships. Anyway, I bring all this up to tell you a story of my day yesterday, a day that provided me with joy, excitement and hope.

I have been an Oakland A’s fan as long as I can remember. I spent many summer nights with my grandfather under the bright lights of the Oakland Coliseum cheering on the A’s.  If you’re a baseball fan then you know that it’s been a rough go to be an A’s fan over the last few years and this season has regenerated a fan base that had lost hope in their cinematic “Major League” tactics. My wife and I along with some family and friends bought tickets to last night’s game and I didn’t think much of it until game day. I had not been to a game since before my life change. All of my A’s gear was size 4XL!!! 

Here is me modeling my jacket!

 I didn’t have anything to wear, but that was not a problem as a quick trip to the mall fixed that.  When shopping for some clothes I had a thought (and no it didn’t hurt me!). I wanted to take a few of my nicer things from my collection and find someone at the game who could use them.  I had a very nice jacket that cost me a pretty penny a few years back and thought I could find more joy in finding it a new home than listing it on eBay. Our group got to the game very early as a tailgate was much needed. As the day went on a car pulled up next to us and a gentlemen got out that looked like this jacket could fit him. I have to admit that I was timid as I didn’t want to offend anyone, but I thought to myself that if he heard me out he would understand my story and hopefully appreciate the gesture!  I walked over to him and asked “What size shirt do you wear?”  He gave me a look like I was trying to sell him something which is not out of the norm at the Oakland Coliseum!  His reply was one that I would have used for sure! “Big” he said, so I went to my truck pulled out the jacket and a throwback jersey and handed them over telling him that they were his to keep if he wanted them. Him and his wife looked at me with shocked looks on their faces and she even said “Something like this never happens”. I went on to explain that these had once fit me and at one point were too small and it was my way of paying it forward.  I explained that I had my surgery which enabled me to take a new life approach to health and fitness and we chatted for a few minutes. I could tell that he was very grateful and perhaps still in shock with my story and his kick ass new jacket! 

Some time passed and I was sitting in my chair enjoying the day and he walked over with something in his hand. He explained that he and his wife where so shocked by the gesture that they too wanted to pay it forward. He handed me a jersey that she and he had been working on all year with signatures from the majority of the A’s 2012 team.  I can’t imagine how long this took to acquire, showing up early to games to stand in line for these signatures. I was honored to accept the gift, and never did I think I would be getting anything in return! The jersey happened to be a 2XL so I happily put it on and it buttoned up with no problem, so I thought it would only be fitting to capture a picture and share this story with anyone who cared to read it.

The time went on and we said our good byes. We went into the game and watched one of best displays of heart and desire I have seen from a professional sports team in a long time, but perhaps I am biased. My Oakland A’s pulled off the fairy tale story ending coming from behind to win the game in the bottom of the ninth inning with two outs. That only capped a day that had already been one that I would never forget! 

I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to be where I am today.  Being as big as I was created life challenges that many will never understand. I don’t wish that upon anyone. I still identify as a big man, because 316 pounds is not small! I feel an obligation to do whatever is in my power to provide inspiration to those who struggle with the same problem I do. I have been given a new chance at life and want nothing more than to see the same given to others!  

To my friend I made at the game that day, I wish you the best of luck with your new job! I wish you even better luck with your struggles that we chatted about! I have faith that next year you will pass on my story along with yours to a guy that can wear that jacket!  The autographed jersey you gave me will hang in my office as a reminder of our meeting and a reminder that I have to continue to fight my fight to be the healthy person both I and my family needs me to be! 

Warrior Dash is 16 days from now. My wife and I feel so blessed that I have been given a new lease on life and wanted to do good for others while preparing for Warrior Dash. We decided to raise money for the children of St. Jude as their struggles are unimaginably more difficult in comparison to mine. If you have the ability, please donate any dollar amount. It would greatly be appreciated. Here is the link to my team fundraiser page!
https://waystohelp.stjude.org/sjVPortal/public/displayTeamPage.do?eventId=259858&programId=901&teamId=23172

Thank you!

Until Next Time – Warrior in Training

Mario