It's All About Time:

Yesterday was the eight year anniversary of a day that changed the course of my life.

Leaving a 3-2 Whitecaps victory at what was then called Old Kent Park, I was forced by traffic to take a right turn onto West River Drive. Usually I would turn left and head through town, but this night I was aimed toward the Beltline. (fate?)

That turn changed the direction of my life, as I was subsequently arrested, decided to quit drinking for good, lost my license, met Kristin, bought the house I did for it's location, got the job I now have for it's location, etc. etc., on and on, the infinite changes that came about as a result of that one action. That moment, that one right turn, put me on the path that I am on today.

I found it very fitting to be at a Whitecaps game last night. I found it even more fitting that I had to drive to Lansing to be at a Whitecaps game last night. The fact that I was watching Mark Prior (who was 15 years old eight years ago) pitch seemed to be some sort of cosmic reward for the choice to quit drinking. Coincidence? Yes...but it's all about me, remember? Heh heh.

I thought my life was over on May 25, 1996. I knew I was headed for jail, knew I would lose my driving privledge and my car, and I couldn't foresee the day I would get my freedom back. I also was very afraid that I wouldn't be able to quit drinking. I think it was that fear, felt deep down in my soul that night sitting in that jail cell, that prompted me to change my life.

For the most part, the change was a good one. Who knows where I would have ended up had I continued to drink. Maybe dead (or worse) by now. In some respects I am still paying for my crime, but I have to believe that my life is definitely better than what it might have been.

Thanks go to Mark Prior, the Lugnuts, Oldsmobile Park, the West Michigan Whitecaps, the State of Michigan, my Dad, myself, and the "powers that be" for a truly enjoyable anniversary.

(BTW, The Whitecaps blew a four run lead in the bottom of the ninth and lost 7-6 in 11 innings. They aren't very good this year. You can't have everything.)