$4.99 Taught ME - How To FIGHT Cancer!

Since cancer entered my life almost five years ago, I've counseled with over 100 patients and family members of those who "Fight The Beast." I've also had many opportunities to speak with many individuals who are facing tough personal battles -- divorce, job/financial issues, infidelity, and even how to relate to your children as they grow through their teen years.

When I was 12 years old, I faced my first personal battle.

My Dad is an immigrant from Ireland, a hardworking, tough, honest man who says what he means but doesn't say much. I grew up on the Northwest Side of Chicago; I'd walk out of our apartment and take the Addison Street bus with my buddies a few times a week to go a couple miles to Wrigley Field to catch my Cubs! #GoCubsGo #FlyTheW

We didn't grow up privileged, but our needs were taken care of. My Dad got paid every other Thursday night, and like clockwork, he'd come home at 4:30p, and we'd eat dinner. Then, as a family, we'd head to the bank and then to the Jewel to do our grocery shopping.

One particular Thursday evening as I was getting out of the car to walk into the Jewel, my Dad looked at me and said, "Stay here!" That usually wasn't good - but this night it was, as he looked at me and said Tuesday, "We're going to go get you some new gym shoes!"

New shoes weren't a given each school year; they were reserved for when we actually needed them. I was ecstatic; the next morning, I went to school to tell the guys my great news! I, along with Cuddy, Wijas, Purta, Knoepfle, Morgan, Luczak, and the guys I hung out with, decided I'd get the low-top canvas Nike's with the light blue swish, the Big Swish! My dream shoes!

That next Tuesday night, Dad came home at 4:30p and said to me, "After supper, we'll go get your shoes!" As we drove to six-corners -- where Herman's Sporting Goods was -- Dad was quiet and didn't say much, but the one thing he said was, "We have $20."

When I got to the shoes at Herman's, I pointed to the Nike's I had my heart set on, and in that same moment, it stopped as the tag under the shelf read $24.99! Dad looked at me, put his hand on my shoulder and said, "We have $20."

I was in an odd place. I wanted and hoped we could get them but didn't want my Dad to feel bad. You see, I knew that when my Dad said, "We have $20" ... that's what he meant! He wasn't being a jerk, trying to teach me a lesson, or being selfish; all he truly had was $20.

Dad pointed out other shoes we could afford; he even showed me that I could get a pair of shoes and some new socks, but I didn't budge as I wanted what I had my heart set on -- those low-top canvas Nike's with the light blue swish!

The ride home was quiet until he said to me, "If you want something bad enough, find a way to get it!" I looked and replied, "I'm 12." He said, "Yes, you are ... now go find a way."

(At a very young age, I was taught to tackle problems on my own)

That next week, I found a job at The White Hen Pantry on Addison Street a couple miles past Wrigley Field. I shared the news with my father, and he was excited, but in the same moment looked at me and told me that I couldn't take the bus by myself into that neighborhood.

In that very second, I was angry and said, "You told me to find a way!"

He responded, "I'll take you there," and for the next couple of months, my Dad took me to the White Hen Pantry every Saturday so I could stuff the Sunday papers for $1.25 an hour.

A couple weeks ago, my parents and best friends visited me in St. Johns, FL. I recently purchased a home as I've found an oncologist at The Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville who understands my disease. This day, my family and friends celebrated and dedicated this home, as we are all praying it'll help to heal me and be used to help others dealing with life's tragedies. (Photo Credit: Kristy Stephens Maguire)

We are all going to face obstacles, trials, and a personal tragedy or two in life. Reach inside -- at some point you were given the skills to overcome!

For me, it was at 12 when I wanted some shoes, Dad didn't have the additional $4.99, and he didn't feel sorry for me because he just didn't have the $4.99. He pointed out options and then showed me how to tackle the problem ... head on!

People say to me often: "JT, you inspire me!" I don't really know what to say to that, as I believe if most people were in the same predicament I'm in, they'd fight the way I do. I've learned to say, "Thank You," because my mother taught me when you don't know what to say, just say "Thank You, and I appreciate it." That usually works!

If you are stuck inside one of those tragedies at this very moment, or have a friend or loved one who needs someone to help identify the skills they already have inside in order to get past this tragedy, pass this along. I'm here to help!

Reach out with comments, ideas, or your stories and photos to John Thomas:
Cell: (585) 469-0738 || JT@AllAccess.com
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