I was once in a real mess,
I had a spinal abscess,

I was given a real shock,
Doctor told me I'd never walk,

The news with me didn't set,
I sat up and said, wanna bet?

I lived with excruciating pains,
In physical therapy I made gains,

No job for almost two years,
I was faced with several fears,

I motored around on forearm crutches,
I never fell into despair's clutches,

The doctor was very formal,
He said welcome to your new normal,

I never once thought this isn't fair,
I knew God would answer my prayer,

Great news from the Doctor's lips,
Buddy, you need new hips,

God was making a point,
He gave me titanium joints,

Now that I was rebuilt,
I wanted to make a quilt,

Though I couldn't run,
I walked 5k races for fun,

I was having a blast,
Though I was always dead last.

Through 54 races I wouldn't quit,
Not even a little bit,

I showed the doctor how I was built,
With my brand new T-shirt quilt,

I've come to learn as I live longer,
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.