Living with Stage Four - Better to Give than Receive

"All you can take with you is that which you've given away." -- George Bailey's father from "It's a Wonderful Life"

When I was young, I loved getting gifts for Christmas and on my birthday. I didn't understand the concept, "It's better to give than receive" until I had children of my own and students at the Academy.

In time, I learned how gratifying it is to give. For several years, I actually enjoyed raising money for charity by doing one hour exercise marathons on my birthday.

Lately, I have been on the other end again, receiving gifts on GoFundMe, and also receiving direct gifts to help with my cancer treatments. Although it feels good to receive all this help, I would love to give again.

In the last several months, I have gotten calls and visits from students I have not seen in years, many of them telling me how much they enjoyed and benefited from the martial arts training I gave them. All of this has given me an "It's a Wonderful Life" feeling.

As I said, receiving is great, but I would love to once again give.

Can a 73-year-old man fighting cancer do 1,000 pushups, 1,000 leglifts and 1,000 situps in an hour to raise money to give away to charity?

Stay tuned.