Get Off Your Knees: A Story of Faith, Courage, and Determination

Acknowledgments

xi Acknowledgments My journey to date has crossed the lives of many people—family, friends, coworkers. I would not have the strength, courage, and determination to overcome my physical obstacles without the love and support of these people. First and foremost is my wife, Andrea, who has been my best friend, cheerleader, drill sergeant, and inspiration . The dream of the life we have built over the years has motivated me to be who I am today. My children— Haydon, Ariel, and Owen—continue to provide me the experience and wisdom to take every hurdle with more patience. My father’s friendship, perseverance, love, and guidance built within me the faith that is the very mortar of my interpersonal foundation. The irony is that I don’t think he ever set out to impose his will, but by the grace of God that is exactly what he did. Without this pillar of faith, I would not be able to function. I cannot say thank you enough. In our early years together, my sister, Katherine Mary Robinson, became a friend, companion, and role model. Whether it was driving across the country, swimming in xii | Acknowledgments the lake, or just laughing around the house, Katherine could not have been a better sister. My uncle Douglas is an extremely intelligent, practical , and nurturing individual. He’s been part-parent and friend to me, especially at times when I needed someone to advise me or just listen. Daniel Willet provided an appreciation for Syracuse University, intelligent conversation , and counsel on how to be a young man. He has been sorely missed. Jacob Burge Morris, my grandfather, threw tennis balls to me for hours so I could learn to hit a baseball. He would let me ride in the wagon behind his tractor every summer, which, for me, was the most magical thing in the world. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think about his kind spirit. In life there are people who love you because they are family or linked to you in some way, and then there are those people who choose to be your friend. Jeff Rupert made more of an impact on me than he will ever know, and more than I will ever be able to repay. Jeff was the first person to be my friend because of who I am as an individual. I’ve been blessed with twenty-plus years of friendships, thanks to my good fortune to attend Syracuse University. Craig Hubmeier is the brother I never had. We laughed a lot, shared a lot, and secretly enjoyed our tablehockey disagreements. Dave Allen has been a godparent, golf partner, travel companion, and now biographer. Pat Kelleher is who I want to be when I grow up. Paul Golden will give you the shirt off his back. Scott Roegiers has a laugh and spirit that I think about every day. Jivi Govender is someone I feel I’ve known through many lifetimes, Acknowledgments | xiii and knew it the first time I met him. Robert Aronow cares about everyone he has met. He has an uncanny ability to read people and a force within him that brings all types together, including us. Finally, it takes a mother’s love (and her mother’s love) to put it all into perspective. Helen McVoy Morris (Gram), whether she knows it or not, is the beacon of light. Gram is the best combination of force, determination , and love that I needed to retreat to each summer, in college, and as an adult. My mother, Priscilla Morris Robinson, always told me that we were exactly alike. I am reminded every day of the many drives we took together in the car, when she would hold the end of my arm in her hand, as if we were holding hands. As I grew into adulthood and had children of my own, I began to see that she was right. And as I go through life without my mother, I know that she is with me. ...