Reviews from

You Gotta Show Up

Based on a true story

38 total reviews 
Comment from Ulla
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Wow, Earl, this is a story and a half. I am admiring you for your stubbornness and sheer willpower. Just imagine the consequences you suffered after what appeared to be an innocent mishap. Congratulation on your win. In life and in the contest. I would have loved to know what the doctor said when he saw you walking. All the best. Ulla:))

 Comment Written 27-Oct-2018


reply by the author on 27-Oct-2018
    Thank you. I haven' seen the wheelchair doctor yet i' m waiting on the quilt. I appreciate you taking the time to read and review my work.
reply by Ulla on 27-Oct-2018
    Of course. I hope you let us know when you do see him.
Comment from LaRosa
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Just show up and finish.
Six years of proving the medical profession wrong, your determination and will power is awe inspiring.
You have a gift for telling not only the chronology of events but for giving voice to the emotions of facing life 'differently', then setting about the hard work of accomplishing your ever changing goals.
I hung on every word Earl, and am sure many others will too. I relate to so much of your story and even found myself laughing about the only time you were normal was when you were swimming. That is a true statement if I ever heard one...
So, now it's time to take your advice. God bless, Sir, and the awesome wife who stands by you, too!

 Comment Written 27-Oct-2018


reply by the author on 27-Oct-2018
    Thank you for both your kind words and the six star rating. The whole thing gave me a Joe Dirt outlook on life, it made me a more positive person.
Comment from country ranch writer
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

GRIT AND DETERMINATION IS ALL ONE NEEDS WHEN YOU GET YOUR MINDSET ON THE GOALS TO OVERCOME THE HURDLES YOU MUST GET OVER TO GET WHERE YOU ARE GOING. CONGRATULATIONS FOR ACCOMPLISHING SO MUCH!

 Comment Written 27-Oct-2018


reply by the author on 27-Oct-2018
    Thank you. All the credit really goes to my mom for instilling the "can't quit" attitude in me. I appreciate you taking the time to read and review my work.
Comment from Contests

Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

A contest winning entry! A seven star rating from the Contest Committee for posting the winning contest entry.

 Comment Written 27-Oct-2018


reply by the author on 27-Oct-2018
    Wow, thank you for this honor after reading the other entries I was just trying to make all time best status, I truly feel honored.
Comment from jmdg1954
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Sorry friend. This wasn't long enough. I found this to be a tremendous, invigorating, mind blowing story. I didn't want it to end.

It's inspiring to read how you never took "no"for an answer and never looked back.

Well conveyed and if I were able to vote, you would get mine!

John

 Comment Written 26-Oct-2018


reply by the author on 26-Oct-2018
    Thank you for your kind words. My wife marveled how I never became depressed or bitter, i just didn't have time for that, i was fighting the clock. I appreciate you reading and reviewing my work.
Comment from Lisa Heath
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

You may have been a veteran the way this story reads sir. I am pleased to read you got through your therapy ok and pray you continue to do well with your family in the near future. Good read! Lisa Heath

 Comment Written 26-Oct-2018


reply by the author on 26-Oct-2018
    I am a veteran. Thank you for reading and reviewing my work.
Comment from dmt1967
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

' When the air horn signaled the beginning of the race I watched (as) the other 100 or so competitors started to leave me in the dust. (while) You used (as) in the last sentence. Using it again, so soon, makes the story feel jerky.

'I (then) thought about what it had taken to get to the point that I could walk in a 5k race.' (delete) When writers use(then) it always reminds me of a list of things or two teenage girls talking.

I am so pleased for you and this is a great inspirational story. Thank you for sharing and good luck in the contest.


 Comment Written 23-Oct-2018


reply by the author on 23-Oct-2018
    Thanks I went back in and edited, have a look. Thanks for reading and reviewing my work.
Comment from lyenochka
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Wonderful story, Earl! You won quite victory over that terrible infection. You could have given up so many times but you fought back and overcame. And you have a wonderful wife! It takes team work to overcome such challenges. Blessings to you both.

Minor formatting suggestion: add more spaces between paragraphs like after the 4th, 5th, 6th paragraphs. You might just check others.
"I received a medals in 19 races. " (remove 'a')

 Comment Written 23-Oct-2018


reply by the author on 23-Oct-2018
    I went back and edited it, if you want to take a look.Thank you for reading and reviewing my work.
Comment from Spitfire
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

What an inspirational story. I wish you have given your age during those years. But no matter how old you are, falls can injure and kill. With two hips replaced you are bionic now. What is so wonderful is that you didn't mind finishing almost last. It was the effort that counted.

 Comment Written 22-Oct-2018


reply by the author on 23-Oct-2018
    I had just turned 50 when i had the spinal abscess. My hips were replace whe i was 54. One thing i didn't put in the story was I had to go to three doctors before i found one who woul replace them because they thought I was too young.
Comment from Tpa
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

A very inspirational story of courage and determination.. Indeed you shown the ability of overcoming hardships. A wonderful story to share and wish the best in your contest.

 Comment Written 22-Oct-2018


reply by the author on 22-Oct-2018
    Thank you for your kind words. I appreciate you reading and reviewing my work.