Oh ... I just remembered another momentous moment! Many years ago, I had surgery to remove a very serious growth on my foot. The expected 20 minute surgery lasted five hours.

During the recovery period the doctor told me that I would probably never be able to hike again, let alone run.

I said to myself, "Myself! That man's full of crap. He's never run into a stubborn Finn before!"

I started walking, very slowly, then trotting, then jogging, and then running. Seven months after my surgery, I stood on top of Mt Rainer ...12,470 feet high! To say that that was a very "alive" moment for me would be an understatement. CHEERS, Bob(deckman)Nelson