Benjamin J. Carey's Blog, page 23

A Memorable Life is Made Up of Outstanding Stories, and Scenes

Recently I visited Newport Rhode Island for the first time

and went out for a 6 mile run along the cliffs and gorgeous coastline. 

It ended up being a "scene" I'll never forget.

When it was over I had run 13 miles.




"...Sometimes I'm tempted to believe life doesn't mean anything at all. I've read philosophers who say meaningful experiences are purely subjective, and I understand why they believe that, because you can't prove that life, and love and death are anything more than random happenings. But then you start thinking about some of the scenes you've lived, and if you've had a couple of drinks, they have a sentimental quality that gets you believing we are all poems coming out of the mud. "

       -Donald Miller, "A Million Miles in a Thousand Years" 





Easy to see why I ran 13 miles.





I just finished reading Donald Miller's "A Million Miles in a Thousand Years." It's one of those books that stays with you long after you've turned the last page. 





I drank up the idea of living your life like a story. It's a more meaningful perspective than anything I've ever heard. When you cross over if you want to leave a legacy that's more significant than someone saying a prayer for you at a holiday dinner; then you should start creating some memorable scenes in your life. There are some heartbreaking and triumphant scenes in my life that are the essence of the memoir I'm working on, and I continue to spend my days trying to make each day stand out from the next. 




A recent trip to Rhode Island for a close friend's wedding ended up being a great scene in my life story. What made the weekend amazing were the people, the atmosphere, and the script. There wasn't a cloud in the sky when we drove over the bridge into Newport and the weather remained stellar the whole weekend. We had a chance to catch up on life with friends that we don't see much anymore due to everyone being caught up in their careers, children, and families(and writing books in my case).











The setting for the weekend was beautiful. All of our dinners were held at Mansions from the Gilded Age, including the wedding reception which was held at Belcourt Castle. I ran my fingers over antiques from the 3rd century, and had the pleasure of spending time with the owner Mrs. Tinney who was thrilled to tell us about her family and the history of the tremendous estate. Every inch of the mansion had a level of hand-crafted detail that is non-existent in today's homes. There was a warm, tarnished feeling to the place; one that you cannot build today. Throughout the weekend there were intimate conversations, laughs, evening walks through the grounds, cups of coffee shared on the porch, mysterious talks of the Illuminati, and laughs about the ghost stories and weird incidents that happened while we were there. I decided to make one night more memorable by loading everyone in my SUV at 3am, picking up two pies and a six pack and heading to the cliffs overlooking the ocean. There was a full moon, and I don't think anyone present will forget that night. We sat on the tremendous rock formations as the ocean lapped at the cliffs and the moonlight sparkled off the white caps. We talked, we laughed, and then we held our wives next to us in silence and looked out at the moonlit ocean. Life is good. I'm not dead yet; I'm living a story.

"Rollercoaster ride to the only things that matter in life: Family, True Friends & Health"-Amazon Review of Barefoot in November

Simply put: This book can change your outlook on life. If you are dealing with a life-threatening situation of your own, have a loved one that is, or are simply looking for some answers to what the meaning of life is... this book is for you! During this read, at different points in the book, I found myself laughing, nodding my head, shaking my head, and in near tears. The author does a great job of painting the picture of a man who, like most, made some mistakes in life, but learned so much in a short period of time due to the fact that he was thrown into a life-threatening situation in a matter of seconds. This man was living a normal life before being brought to a place that no one wants to be, and ended up coming out of it a better man, father, and husband. Again, this is a great read. Highly recommended for anyone who is looking to better themselves, find some meaning in life, or simply find a good ol' uplifting book. 5 stars.



-Amazon.com Review of Barefoot in November

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Actress Amy Yasbeck endorses "Barefoot in November"

"... I recommend this touching and inspiring book to everyone." -Amy Yasbeck

Running a marathon is much more than just a metaphor in Benjamin Carey's powerful memoir  Barefoot in November . His inspiring story, beautifully told, encourages us to take charge of our own fate. This book captures his emotional, physical and spiritual journey to the finish line and beyond.            Benjamin Carey's world is understandably rocked when he discovers that he is living with an aortic aneurysm. He credits his family, doctors and surgeons, as well as post John Ritter awareness, for his survival. In the wake of John's loss the demand for information about aortic dissection and its genetic predisposition was heightened. This wave of awareness has brought about a significant rise in correct diagnosis and in proactive treatment for this dangerous ticking time bomb. Ben's wife Nicole and his mother keep him on track by reminding him to consider John's fate when assessing his own. I especially appreciate the simplicity and specificity with which he lays out the medical and personal events leading to his life saving surgery. His writing strikes the perfect tone while honestly recounting what it took to survive his ordeal. The tenderness, toughness and humor required will be recognizable to anyone who has gone through this kind of crash course in aortic disease or any life changing event.             I recommend this touching and inspiring book to everyone.

-

Barefoot in November tells story of triumphing over heart disease.

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"...I actually found the dynamics between Carey and his wife pretty humorous, as I am sure that is the same way my husband and I would be! ..." -Naomi B., Sisterhood of the Traveling Book

Great story..a must read for any stubborn patient going through an illness. I actually found the dynamics between Carey and his wife pretty humorous, as I am sure that is the same way my husband and I would be! More than for the basis of the story, I liked it more for what Carey had written between the lines related to familial dynamics and work ethic, as well. I thought he made some very important points whether a person has a life threatening illness or not!



-Naomi B., Sisterhood of the Traveling Book

"...the couch moving scene was hilarious. I laughed out loud and woke up my husband who was crashed on the couch.(he works long hours and it's a physical job in his defense) In any case he thought I was nuts but hey it's funny!" -Barefoot in November reade

Hello I'm Margaret. I enjoyed your book very much! I have to tell you there were a few moments in the book that I was able to relate to so well such as your son in Home Depot. Oh my, I think my 3 year old son (Kaiou), is his twin. There's comfort in knowing I'm not the only one! Also, the couch moving scene was hilarious. I laughed out loud and woke up my husband who was crashed on the couch.(he works long hours and it's a physical job in his defense) In any case he thought I was nuts but hey it's funny!



Margaret FariaGoodreads.com

"...the couch moving scene was hilarious. I laughed out loud and woke up my husband who was crashed on the couch.(he works long hours and it's a physical job in his defense) In any case he thought I was nuts but hey it's funny!" -Barefoot in November reade

Hello I'm Margaret. I enjoyed your book very much! I have to tell you there were a few moments in the book that I was able to relate to so well such as your son in Home Depot. Oh my, I think my 3 year old son (Kaiou), is his twin. There's comfort in knowing I'm not the only one! Also, the couch moving scene was hilarious. I laughed out loud and woke up my husband who was crashed on the couch.(he works long hours and it's a physical job in his defense) In any case he thought I was nuts but hey it's funny!



Margaret FariaGoodreads.com

"...the couch moving scene was hilarious. I laughed out loud and woke up my husband who was crashed on the couch.(he works long hours and it's a physical job in his defense) In any case he thought I was nuts but hey it's funny!" -Barefoot in November reade

Hello I'm Margaret. I enjoyed your book very much! I have to tell you there were a few moments in the book that I was able to relate to so well such as your son in Home Depot. Oh my, I think my 3 year old son (Kaiou), is his twin. There's comfort in knowing I'm not the only one! Also, the couch moving scene was hilarious. I laughed out loud and woke up my husband who was crashed on the couch.(he works long hours and it's a physical job in his defense) In any case he thought I was nuts but hey it's funny!



Margaret FariaGoodreads.com

"...the couch moving scene was hilarious. I laughed out loud and woke up my husband who was crashed on the couch.(he works long hours and it's a physical job in his defense) In any case he thought I was nuts but hey it's funny!" -Barefoot in November reade

Hello I'm Margaret. I enjoyed your book very much! I have to tell you there were a few moments in the book that I was able to relate to so well such as your son in Home Depot. Oh my, I think my 3 year old son (Kaiou), is his twin. There's comfort in knowing I'm not the only one! Also, the couch moving scene was hilarious. I laughed out loud and woke up my husband who was crashed on the couch.(he works long hours and it's a physical job in his defense) In any case he thought I was nuts but hey it's funny!



Margaret FariaGoodreads.com

"...the couch moving scene was hilarious. I laughed out loud and woke up my husband who was crashed on the couch.(he works long hours and it's a physical job in his defense) In any case he thought I was nuts but hey it's funny!" -Barefoot in November reade

Hello I'm Margaret. I enjoyed your book very much! I have to tell you there were a few moments in the book that I was able to relate to so well such as your son in Home Depot. Oh my, I think my 3 year old son (Kaiou), is his twin. There's comfort in knowing I'm not the only one! Also, the couch moving scene was hilarious. I laughed out loud and woke up my husband who was crashed on the couch.(he works long hours and it's a physical job in his defense) In any case he thought I was nuts but hey it's funny!



Margaret FariaGoodreads.com