l, you can blame it on my wife. She wanted to write an inspirational story that her middle school students would read. She wanted it to show how a young person can overcome adversity; and with inner resolve and hard work they can still fulfill their dreams. She said that was me.

She felt that since my life went from playing the piano before I could read, to cutting off three fingers of my right hand, I had the adversity down.

She also said that I didn't just give up. I went on to major in music (piano) in college; and ultimately went on to performing on stage and touring with Eric Carmen. This was the spirit and hard work she was looking for.

All-in-all she said, "It was an amazing story that needed to be told." So, I said, "OK, as long as you do the writing." And since you are reading this now, she did write it and the rest is history. The book is done.

The book is unique in the fact that I conveyed my life's journey orally to my wife, Janet. She would tape our conversations and take notes. She would then painstakingly type my thoughts, feelings and adventures into "book speak language," so that everyone would understand what I was trying to say.

So here it is with humor and love, as told by me and written down by Janet.