Life’s Equation

Every waking hour of every day we think, feel and create ways to endure the daily stresses that come our way. When focusing on who we are and what influences whether within the outside world or in ourselves gives us different perspectives we often stop and ponder and think about where to go next and how we can focus on becoming whole. A child is born and his birth is supposed to bring joy and happiness to his parents and family. But, what happens when a child is born with an illness that can be controlled to a point but would eventually lead to his/her early death? The author of this inspirational story brings to light many issues that so many would rather push aside, toss under the pillow and not face. Isolation, fears, dreams of where he would rather be that are so real he refers to them as Lucid Dreams where he takes part in the events as if they are happening to him in real time. His childhood was nothing remarkable except that the child that was born to his family named Anthony was born with Cerebral Palsy. Anthony had a sweet smile and face but could barely express his emotions and he could not walk. The author hovered over him along with his sister, Anne, and spent many waking hours caring for his brother, glad that his sister was there to help nurture him too and then realizing that things for Anthony and his life would require that his mother create a world for him that would appear normal. But, not everything remained the same and when his family had to move to another home it created conflict for the author yet he became in many ways stronger.

Things changed drastically after the death of his brother and even before as moving to Florida made it difficult for him to assimilate with others and then his sister Anne, decided to up and leave saying she was in love with someone. When the author became more like a hermit sleeping all day and then working all night his parents became irate and asked him to move out which he did. Taking odd jobs to pay his bills, living in squalor he realized that he would eventually have to make some real life changes. But, when Anthony got more terminal and was at the end of his short life, he did his best to bring him comfort and realized that this 17 year old teen would never reach his full potential and then something within the author snapped and his changed directions.

For several years the author went into the homes of many people taking a specific test to determine how much oxygen passed through their bodies using an oxygen tank over a 24 hour period insuring that their insurance would pay for the test and the oxygen needed. Some might think that this was not important but to the people who met Frank and go to know him he was an invaluable person who listened to their concerns, fears, stories and even found that for so long he heard their voices in his head, remembered their faces and one man the first one that said: Make something of our life. Don’t keep doing this. Don’t turn out like me. It took a while before it make sense to him and when the company that handled these tests was sold and the new owners never called him, Frank took a job loading trucks and then one day he took everyone he owned, had a garage sale the rest with 385 dollars headed for Colorado and the start of a new life.

The next part of the book focuses on what he defines as his equation of life and how by chance someone named Brian took a chance with him, gave him a job in night audit, learned what he had to do and when the FBI came in and questioned all of the employees, it was Frank who was loyal to Brian and was promoted to payroll and day shifts. Life is what you make of it and the changes you are willing to endure and make to create the life that you want to live not what others expect of you.

One of the most compelling stories he tells is about someone from his company named Bud. Bud realized that he was terminal and that he had 72 hours to live. This bothered Frank that he never had time to know this man or really talk to him. Things often happen for a reason but Bud lived more than 6 months passed his death sentence and their conversations broadened the author’s thinking and enriched his life teaching him that it was time to move on and create a life that was right for him. Another was Craig who was terminal with cancer and whose life was also about to be cut short as Frank channeled his energy, hoped by touching this man’s hand he would heal. Remarkable story. Frank might be what some would call a healer and he had some hand in saving this man’s life or the doctors made a grave error. Either way it was a miracle and blessing for Craig. Meeting Rebecca for a time helped him grow but when he explained his dreams, his blue light after a while she terminated their relationship.

The way he meets his wife Ashley is heartwarming and the way their relationship developed is a way to teach younger people how to nurture the person, get to know them first and take it slow. On page 162 we all realize that she is the right one when he explains what happened to him and still does at times when he would awaken in the middle of the night, see a flash of light and a loud band would terrify him. He even told her she had a blue light floating above her at that moment and realized as she stated that he was a healer. The rest of the journey focuses on the many computer jobs he had and his time with Chipotle and working along with McDonalds. He recounts the countless hours he worked, the birth of this two daughters, how he and Ashley spend time talking over their days, plans for their girls and where life will take them next. He includes his visions for his family, the way he bonded with his daughters, putting his family and their lives first and sharing his perspective with readers. But, the one main point that comes through in this book is that he looks to help others, find ways to give back, to as he states: start a chain of reaction of positive events that result in the betterment of the next generation. We have an obligation to those continuing to struggle due to the effects of the previous generations- such as families who suffered tremendous lose during an economic downturn or those separated for long periods of time, or forever… Remembering Jake, his best friend and seeing him in his lucid dream one more time really hit home. I think most people have them; I do, and never realize what they are or remember what they see during that special dream. Talking to him one more time, thinking about Anthony, hoping to make a difference in the lives of so many is rare today. His life he concludes with is a composite you might say of all of his experiences that have prepared him for the most important moment: NOW! Focusing on the present allows him to be in complete control of who he is and allowing him the ability to absorb as much information as possible to fuel his growth. He loves challenges that take him beyond his current understanding and suddenly possibilities are endless. So, very true.

Purpose he states if a dot on the horizon where understanding and vision, meet. It is here he continues where we string small bits of understanding together with imagination to turn possibilities into realities. What a great way to teach the younger generation to push to the limits and not stay where they are and how learning more and having a vision, allows them the ability to influence the futures and that’s purpose. It would be a better world if everyone would generate peaceful relationships through meaningful experiences. Maybe our world leaders should take a lesson from what this author has shared with readers and perhaps the negatives would disappear and we could all communicate and live on this planet together sharing our ideas, knowledge and thoughts for a better next generation.
The final segment explains in detail: Understanding it the energy, which constitutes life and it, includes his theory and the equation. Read this book and take the journey toward finding greater purpose and create your own LIFE’S EQUATION.

Fran Lewis: Just reviews/MJ magazine