I had the distinct pleasure of meeting a man last week that I will not soon forget.  I received an e-mail from Mike Bliss’ grandma Lynn a couple of weeks ago.  Mike was brutally attacked while leaving a bar in Buffalo in late March for the complete story, here’s the link:   http://mikebliss.weebly.com/  .    Mike is a loyal  listener  of WBEE’s  and his Gram thought it might lift his spirits if one of us paid him a visit.   Well she may have been right but in my opinion she had it backwards.  I have to be honest, I was nervous, I knew I had an opportunity to maybe say or do something helpful but what can I say that will matter a hoot to a kid who is fighting to regain something that should have never been taken away from him. As I walked into the hospital my hands were sweating and my mind was racing, all I could think was “Just don’t babble Terry, don’t screw this up”. 

         As I walked into Mike’s room, there was an immediate peace and happiness that was palatable.   Surrounded by a huge loving family sat a young man that is truly one in a million.  Mike greeted me with a warm handshake that he has worked tirelessly for the past several weeks to be able to execute.  His smile said it all.  There sat the human definition of perseverance.  He is a kind and loving individual and a true pleasure to meet and chat with.

        Mike Bliss has every reason in the world to be a bitter angry vengeful young man.    He was robbed of abilities that we take for granted everyday for no apparent reason.  He is not… he looks to the future with hope and wonderment.  He has accepted the challenges that lie ahead.  He is a young man of great faith and determination. 

       As I left the hospital I realized that mine were the spirits that had been lifted.  I was the lucky one last week to have the met the acquaintance of Mike Bliss and his wonderful family.  I’ll ask one thing of you on his behalf.  Pray fro Mike, however you start or end your day, whomever you put your belief in ask them to smile on Mike, give him a boost, he’ll do the rest.  I believe with my whole heart and soul, Mike Bliss will walk out of Strong Memorial Hospital, maybe it will take some time but he’ll do it and we should all learn a lesson from it.