Success and Failure are a Part of Life

I am a published author. My book was released on Aug. 9, 2011. So far, exactly 917 copies have been sold, not including 38 copies purchased by friends, acquaintances, and relatives; which I choose not to count. My royalties total to-date total $2,267.27.
Unless sales increase dramatically, I must accept the fact that my attempt to become a successful writer has failed. I am disappointed, but not disheartened. You see; I have failed before.

I was never very good at playing any sport.

Raised in a tough neighborhood where fighting was common, I lost many more times than I won. The laws of physics were against me. I am only 5 ft. 6 in. tall and, back then, only weighed 150 lbs.

My first fiancee dumped me unceremoniously with no explanation; leaving me feeling humiliated and broken hearted.

After interviewing for my first 2 promotion opportunities as an employee of the H.J. Heinz Company, I was passed over.

I've experienced my share of failure; but I have also experienced success and the rewards that accompany it.

Attending a Roman Catholic Seminary with extremely high academic standards for 4 years, I graduated with honors.

I successfully completed Marine Corps boot camp at Parris Island, S.C. (20% of recruits do not) and survived a combat tour in Vietnam.

I learned to play the guitar and electric bass well enough to play professionally for 8 years.

During 33 years as an employee of the H.J. Heinz Company, I was eventually promoted 5 times and was able to retire comfortably at the age of 53 as the manager of the company's Pittsburgh facility.

Two years after being dumped by my fiancee, I fell in love with my late wife. We had 5 wonderful children and remained together for 35 1/2 years. I now have 4 fantastic grandchildren.

I have been retired for 12 1/2 years; during which time I have travelled by car and visited 43 states. Only 7 more to visit and I will have achieved my original goal.

I will attempt a few more things before I run out of time; occasionally succeeding and sometimes failing.

I wouldn't have it any other way. You cannot truly appreciate the one without having experienced the other.