Thirty Years and Counting! (Anniversary Stories)

"Reflections in the glass of a window..."

Looking out over Merida, Mexico at Star Medica Hospital.

The Date today is May 3, 2016, Thirty years ago today I was preparing to leave UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles California. For a lifetime of events that no one would believe possible and still alive to appreciate what has and may come. 

Looking out the window, as I will today in a few hours at 1:00pm from where? Yes a Hospital. Where? Star Medica Hospital, Merida, Yucatan, Mexico. It is far away from Los Angeles, California and UCLA Medical Center. You may be thinking "What are you doing there?"  Of all things I'm teaching. I've now got your attention. I will be teaching English to a doctor. He is a doctor of nephrology, in layman language he is a kidney doctor and he does kidney transplants.

Ironically, I was looking out a window more than likely at approximately the same hour thirty years ago. I was preparing mentally as well as physically for my departure from Santa Monica Airport via a twin propeller Cessna Airplane with four seats. 

Disconnected from my med pump and IV pole with wheels, which was connected to my Hickman Catheter exiting my chest, and had become an extension of my body. I felt liberation as I moved freely around my room on 10 West, next to the nurses station that I had occupied for thirty four days. I'm sure they were happy to discharge me the next day. I was responsible for some serious chaotic insanity with my ill sense of humor during my stay.

Daughter Dusty and I at The Phoenix Zoo (Pre BMT)

Exhausted and not knowing why? (CML Leukemia)

I began rolling up my poster (Elvira) from my window,

removing my Nerf Basketball Hoop from my door, 

disconnecting my stereo that rocked day and night. Packing my bags. Saying my goodbyes to all who were involved and remembering all that had taken place. It was now time to leave and start life all over again.

This is my story, lessons learned have not been forgotten nor those who participated in it. I recall everything even names come to me easily. I near the age many are afflicted with EOA That's Early Onset of Alzheimer's Disease, I refer to this as EOA.  EOA is a great excuse I use it for everything as I'm nearing fifty five years of age. I have procrastinated sharing these events except for those close to me. Now it is time to bare my soul. Hopefully giving insight, inspiration and drawing feelings out of you the reader making you laugh with tears running down your face. Hopefully I possess some type of skill to communicate what transpired taking you through part of my life as I remember and share. 

How Did I Get Here?

At age twenty two I began experiencing lower back pain (lumbar area) and night sweats. I had no understanding of what was going on inside me. You could find me playing basketball, softball and golf regularly. At work it was common to find me picking, shoveling, laying block, pouring and finishing concrete. I worked for a landscaping and irrigation contractor I enjoyed learning and practicing all the construction trades. Later in my life this would pay dividend, as I would become a licensed general contractor.

I have always led a very active lifestyle and still do. So I decided to fix my back problem with exercise I started running nightly after a full day of work. Occasionally my wife and daughter would accompany me by setting pace with a bicycle equipped with a baby seat. The symptoms gradually worsened as I dealt with pain that resembled Sciatica. The pain became so intense that I would take a hot bath and my wife would find me in tears crying at two in the morning. Now realizing this problem was starting to become a serious problem it was time to seek professional help.

Consulting my family physician and explaining my symptoms. First things first he had the radiologist take an x-ray showing my lumbar region of my spine. The results came back showing a hairline fracture to a lumbar vertebra. He gave me an anti-inflammatory and explained rest was needed.

After a couple of weeks of rest and feeling better I was right back at life. Still having a stabbing back pain that ran down my right leg to my heel, upon certain movement and it was intermittent. I returned to my family physician and he referred me to an orthopedic surgeon.

 Following my reference I met with the orthopedist who reviewed my x-rays. He said that I was experiencing the pain as my sciatic nerve was possibly being pinched or was being rubbed by calcium deposits formed by the fracture. He instructed me to strengthen my abdominal muscles, refilled my prescription for anti-inflammatory medication and sent me on my way.

Back to work I went, never one to stand back and watch. I was on a flatbed trailer off loading thirty foot tall date palms by crane and I was doing the rigging. My back pain brought me to my knees several times with stabbing sciatic pain.

I returned to the orthopedist, He suggested epidural blocks with cortisone in the caudal area which meant insertion of a long flexible needle under my coccyx (tailbone) and pushed up the spinal column into the lumbar area. Then they sent me to an orthopedic supply and had me fitted for a flexion jacket.

To put on the flexion jacket, I would lay the back plastic fitted portion that spanned my back lumbar area to my thoracic area on the floor first. Then I would lie down on the floor face up in a supine position on the back formed plastic piece.  Then I would place the frontal plastic over my abdominal area that spanned from my lower abdominal area to my diaphragm. Now I could tighten the straps and buckle them putting me into a pelvic tilt.

This still couldn’t stop my physical activity as I continued to work physically. I continued to receive caudal injections of cortisone for the next eight weeks from an anesthesiologist as an outpatient waiting for an hour lying flat on my back for a hour after an injection.

Eight weeks passed and with little to no relief and another consult with the orthopedist He explained to me that a fusion of the lumbar vertebra was necessary. He then went on to tell me that this would affect my range of motion for the rest of my life, and there was little alternative if I wanted to be pain free.

Decision time

Going under the surgical knife took a lot of contemplation as this would affect my physical activity the rest of my life. The pain was crippling and seriously would drive me to my knees in a fetal position. This became a no brainer pain or limited movement do to fusion of my lumbar vertebrae. So after a few days I agreed to surgery.

Admitted for surgery at St. Luke’s Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona a local hospital it was now time to seal my fate. I was assigned a room and told that I would have a CAT Scan and a Myelogram  the next day and surgery to follow the next day. Great problem solved.

Blood and more blood.

They did a routine blood draw as for all prior to surgery almost immediately after I was assigned to my room. I was served dinner, had family visitors. I mentally prepared for the next day CAT Scan and Myelography . To my surprise another phlebotomist came into my room as I was ready to go to sleep. She wanted another blood draw. I reciprocated and gave her my blood and after she left the room my thoughts began to run.

Trying to sleep became difficult as I tried to find reason for two blood draws. A thought came to me, what if I have a toxic blood disease. What could it be? Finally falling asleep with my red Sony Walkman playing James Taylor Music, I rested until the morning.

I awakened not by breakfast but by another phlebotomist who came to take another blood draw.  Now I know my dreams had become a nightmare. Processing thoughts as I sat on the balcony patio which was a part of my fourth floor room I ate my breakfast. Thinking of a possible diagnosis and putting all other thoughts aside such as CAT- Scan, Myelogram and surgery.

I had recently watched a movie featuring Burt Reynolds and Dom Deluise called “The End.” I thought no, it can’t be, maybe… I’ve got a toxic blood disease like Leukemia. I waited outside in the October Phoenix weather on my patio overlooking a poor neighborhood in a poverty stricken area of Phoenix surrounded by projects. Listening to my music with headphones, I broke into tears as I now have processed my life to its conclusion without being told from a physician what’s taking place as of yet. Minutes turned to hours, time passed slowly. Lunch was served and time kept dragging as I continued thinking to extremes. It was now time for dinner trays to be served and still nothing as I now have convinced myself that I have Leukemia and would eventually be told.

It was 4:00 pm and a much needed visit from my mother came about. I thought should I share my thoughts, and decided against it as I had not had a diagnosis. She brought me two Double Quarter Pounders with cheese and two supersized fries. Oh and two cans of Skoal Longcut Wintergreen smokeless tobacco. The epicure's’ delight started as we spoke about my day. When asking about my day and order of events. I told her that all went well. She went on asked about the CAT-Scan and Myelogram and how did they go. Stumbling and bumbling and trying to find an excuse. I said that my doctor had not come into see me yet and I didn’t know when they were scheduled. She replied so you have just sat all day? No they did some blood work and I quickly changed the subject to baseball as it was World Series time. Making more small talk about her job as school secretary and family, and avoiding sharing my thoughts about a toxic blood disease, she left to spend time with my father as he would be coming home from work. Later She had told me she knew that something catastrophic was brewing and did say a word at the time.

It was now approximately 5:30 pm.  Now entering my room as trays for dinner were served was my orthopedic surgeon. He had a long drawn puzzled face and said very little except that a specialist would be seeing me before night's end. He left as quickly as he entered. This certainly didn’t put my mind at ease. I now know I’m right. Something absolutely terrible is going on and no one will tell me.

My wife had just arrived as she finished her day's work and came to visit. It was now 6:30pm as I ate my dinner tray and made small talk. After about fifteen minutes she asked what had taken place during the day as tomorrow surgery is scheduled. As she spoke and not hearing a word she was saying, as I was preoccupied thinking of ways to say what I have concluded, without being told by the medical professionals treating me or in this case not. I smiled and said I think it's “The End.” I was referring to the movie. Hoping this would be a way of dealing with my intuitive thinking and not being absolutely sure. I’m sure she thought this was another Ed ploy for romantic attention as she laughed. Before she had a chance to speak another sentence, we were interrupted.

Entering my room was an older thin man in a lab coat. He introduced himself I’m Dr. Phillip Scheerer an hematologist and oncologist.” Her eyes light up as did mine. I thought holy shit I’m right, without saying a word. He started the conversation, ”I know that you have been sitting here all day with no activity toward treating your back problem and you have had blood drawn from you three times, and have had to wait for me to see you for hours.” Before he had a chance to give me any news, I calmly looked into the eyes of my wife and said, “I have leukemia.” Shock now filled the room as I asked him, “How long am I going to live.” He was utterly stunned pausing uncomfortably. He explained that although not sure, but possibly right I needed a bone marrow biopsy to confirm. To my surprise he did it on the spot giving me a local anesthetic and using a corkscrew aspirator as I lay on my side he burrowed into my hip and took a tissue sample. As he was doing the biopsy I was looking into my wife’s eyes as mine watered from the pain from this crude method called biopsy. I watched the tears run from her eyes down her face as our world was shattered. Conversation continued awkwardly as he told me that my white cell count was forty times the norm. He then told us that he would be in contact the next day as it was now 8:30pm and he exited.

Boom! My wife burst into tears and so did I. We wept for what seemed like an eternity until our tear ducts ran dry and still continued. I couldn’t find words to say and nor could she. We came to the realization of how serious this was and devastating to all of our goals dreams and now daily life. We readied to part as I sent my hello and love to my 20 month old daughter with her. She retired for home devastated as you could read it all over her face.

Wandering and Wondering;

It was now 11:00 pm, if I thought falling asleep the night before was difficult, this an impossibility as I moved about the room with hot feet throughout the night. If I had any back pain it was from the biopsy area, but truly I was numb and dumb. Reality was hitting like a Reggie Jackson’s bat to a baseball. A full night of pacing and roaming the hospital was about to begin. I put on my street clothes and attempted to move about incognito. I passed by the nurse’s station and with my street clothes on trying to pass by as a visitor and failed.  When asked where I was going I replied the morgue. This was the beginning of my morbid sense of sarcasm that I used to cope with my reality. The nurse replied with a laugh followed by smile as she had been attending to me since 7:00 pm and was aware of my new found death sentence. She was empathic and compassionate as all tending staff would become as they found out what had transpired since my arrival. Playing upon her sympathy I explained that I needed a break away to ponder and I would like to go to the cafeteria for a cup of coffee. She smiled and said, “You are dismissed”, and added, “You have forty five minutes.” Which would become five hours.

First place I wanted to find was the Nursery for all the new born babies. Off to look for the maternity floor. Using a directory located at the elevators. Sure enough I found it.  I stumbled upon the glass window and found a room full of newborn infants; I found myself smiling and recalling the birth of my daughter. This joyful memory was quickly replaced with the dreadful thought of my loss of a future with my daughter, family and friends. I continued my walk as if an escapee from a prison hoping not to be noticed as tears ran down my cheeks. I moved through the hospital looking at the directories to find what would interest me.

Being an extremist I went from life to death. Next stop the Oncology Floor, so creeping about emotionally crippled I began to seek my destiny, my future. It was now 2:00 am and absent without leave from my present floor Surgical I was now going to try to pass by the Oncology Nurses Station where I was greeted by what some refer to as an Amazonian Army Nurse asking what was doing!  I explained that I had just received a death sentence and would she be kind enough to placate my request of just walking the floor as I would soon be a future occupant! She was kind enough to empathy and carried on a conversation for an hour. Losing track of time and inspired I told her that I need to complete my mission and see the morgue. She expressed that I would more than likely not gain access as I’m not staff. She then bid me luck on my adventure and told her I would more than likely return to see her in the future. 

I returned to the elevator and found no listing upon the directory for my final quest."The Morgue."This meant wandering mindlessly through the maze of the hospital or asking someone. I ventured my way for a while, gave up as I knew the Grim Reaper was following my footsteps. Realizing my fate I quickly paced to my room on the Surgical Floor.

 I returned to my room at 4:15 am the next day and put on my hospital gown and laid back into the bed and began watching television. Now discovered by the night nurse who was assigned to me I was quickly lectured as I told the nurse’s station that I was headed to the cafeteria. She cut me some slack as she put my shoes on her feet and understood I was an emotional mess as my life had imploded eight hours earlier. Feeling absolutely at the bottom of sorrow in an emotional abyss, she offered heartfelt sympathy instead of chastising me for my earlier behavior. We chatted for 40 minutes as she exited with a, “Hang in there!” quote.

Sleeping was impossibility, as my thoughts were racing through my head. My mind processing end of life thoughts such as, “How long will I live?” I need to prepare myself for death. I need to prepare friends and family for my death. It just kept spiraling into such mundane sad thoughts of turmoil as I was greeted with a breakfast tray at 7:00 am.

Time was moving slowly as I felt imprisoned, now eating my bland scrambled eggs toast, oatmeal, and a banana with a milk chaser, still pondering my fate and hoping for a miss diagnosis. I tried to relax watching television, channel surfing I stumbled upon nothing of interest. Appearing into my room was my wife and in her arms was the medicine possible my daughter. This quickly changed my demeanor for the moment and put a smile on my war torn face. We were quickly interrupted by the phlebotomist as she drew more tubes of blood from my arm. Before we had a chance to talk entered the hematologist-oncologist. Our faces subdued, we are now facing reality again, but I certainly needed and appreciated the break with my grandiose smile and the stopping of mal thought.

Dr Scheerer with a solemn look delivered his thoughts and still waiting on testing results from the biopsy, began to explain his hypothesis without a lot of detail. He told us that a blast cell count would be necessary (this is when cancerous cells are counted to determine if you are in an acute or chronic situation) and that I would be released from the hospital in an hour or so and to contact his office for an appointment within the next 48 hours. 

Rejoicing about the release, yet sincerely baffled by what hence lay ahead. We didn’t address the situation as my wife and daughter stayed for my soon to be dismissal. My normal satirical comedic side of my personality exited with the exit of my Hematologist. There now was nothing to be said to make light of my dire situation. We were in waiting with no idea of what to do with the awkward situation and even what to say to each other at this point and time. Soon my attending nurse came in and gave me my release papers to sign. With a smile I signed for my release and was ushered into a wheelchair which was not needed but a necessity as it was hospital protocol due to insurance reasons. 

Driven through the maze of the hospital corridors by an orderly, flanked by my wife with daughter in her arms we made our way to the elevator in silence, and onto the parking lot. Upon getting out of the wheelchair and fighting back tears of a shattered world I began to feel the grip of my reality. The orderly bid us adieu and headed back to the maze of corridors. We made our way home in silence not knowing what lay ahead in a continued silence. Tears rolled down our cheeks and truly feeling sorrow.
  
Signed Sealed Delivered?

Is this what I ordered? Was this something deserved? Was this a gift from god? Am I supposed to make lemonade out lemons? 

Arriving at our apartment with faces looking like I had passed away, not knowing what to say, struggling with what to say, what to do, completely stunned by all that transpired. I felt like I was attending my own funeral. I to this day will never be able to understand what my wife felt like even being empathetic. Composing ourselves we began to address what lay ahead.

Stay tuned for much much more as I write and reflect on the past and give insight to my future.

"Mr. Mexice Revisited 2015" (The Tale Be Told.) "Close but not Close Enough!"

Since my arrival in Mexico in 2010 I have been honored by competing in three national contests the first was by accident as I was there to support a contestant who did not compete and so I had brought my posing trunks paid my registration and literally jumped out there unprepared and did my best, placing sixth in my category. 2012 I was fortunate enough to win the Yucatan Selection placing first and then third at the national level in my category. On to 2015, I came back after dealing with three years of absence due to immigration issues to win the Yucatan Selection again how did I do in the big city?

Yes another third place national title in Mexico, and I am truly grateful. First and foremost there are many to be thanked, which is necessary and due. If it was not for you and others I would not be as competitive as I am. So here are my shout outs for those who supported me in my endeavors financial as well as providing kind words of moral support. 

So many and where to start, first my morning fuertes Mario Ortega, Javier Aysa, 
David Alpuche, Enrique Fernandez, Raul Galan, Roberto Verdin, Ariel Ortega, David Ortega, Oswaldo Farah.  

Mario Ortega (Hermano-El Padrino)

Javier Aysa 

David Alpuche

Enrique Fernandez

Raul Galan

Roberto Verdin (Proud Papa)

Ariel Ortega (El Toro)

Joswaldo Farah

Second my early morning stragglers, Ivette Perez, and Ralf Hollmann.

Ivette Perez (Pipiripou)

Ralf Hollmann

The evening crew Paul Trotter, Jorge (Pekas) Farah, Mauricio Rivero. 

Paul Trotter (Fab Forties)

Jorge Farah (Pekas)

Mauricio (SC Ping Pong Champion)

More thanks out to my adopted youth as you help keep me young, Diana and Luis Gonzalez, Alberto Sauri, Roberto Serrano (Olympic Hopeful 2016) Wenz Marco, Sebastian Caceres, and Ivette Abdala.

Diana Gonzales

Luis Gonzales

Alberto Sauri (A future James Bond)

Roberto Serrano "2016 Olympic Hopeful"

Wenz Marco (AKA Michael Phelps of SC)

Sebastian Caceres ( Future Actor and Model)

Ivette Abdala (Pipiripou Jr.)

These fuertes are to be commended as they are my hard working trainees work on themselves to be the best they can be. Their hard work shows not only in what they look like but also in their daily lifestyle the truly help keep the bar up high as they drive themselves and others to higher goals. 

Special thanks to Salim Baquedano (Muscle Pharm), Julio Molina and Charlie (The Supplement Store), Marky Villegas and Ari (Villegas Performance Systems Store) Autos Del Norte (Offering the finest in used automobiles) Abel Novelo (Abel's Auto Repair and Service), Paul Trotter (Trotters, Pancho's, Bryans, La Tratto, Bryan's Burger Bar, LaTrotteria,  All The Finest Restaurants.)

My dear friends in the United States for their support from a far. Mike Terrigino, Amy Klein, Steve McDonald, Steve Wise, Rob Roper, Todd and Ned Clark, Wendy Capirci,

I would like to thank my family support team: My sisters, April Redmond Beck and Marney Redmond. Daughter, Dusty Redmond. Son, Ian Redmond. Grandbabies, Benjamin and Quinton Perez. Son in law, Mike Perez.

Extra Special Thanks to The Jorge Family and Sport Center as well as all the staff for their faithful support. Truly Sport Center is the finest for training as I am blessed to be a part of their family and the use of this amazing facility to keep at my top notch potential as I keep working on setting new goals achieving them and setting new higher goals. 

More Extra Special Thanks to Raul Cime and Evangelina Cime as they were my guardians making sure that I made it on time did not miss a plane or a taxi. Thanks for looking after me as in 2012 I missed the plane as I was checking aerosol cans into baggage late and the plane left without me in it. A extra special thank you for making me feel like one of the gang.

Raul and Evangelina 

Truly the heartfelt mushy thank you with all my love and affection to Paulina Jorge for her endearing encouraging support and treating me like I feel we should treat each other every day. She is truly one of a kind with the kindest of hearts.

Paulina Jorge

Alejandra Flores my trainer, nutritionist, dearest of friends and adopted daughter. Ale the trophies this year belong to you as much as me. You have stood by me and been my eyes as well as a training companion. You have helped me push and pull extra reps out of me to achieve a physique that few my age possess. You have spent countless hours sitting on the floor as I posed critiquing my every move and smile, helping choreograph each and every move. You helped me pose professionally like never before. You kind words and encouragement when exhausted pushed me to a level that few can achieve. 

Alejandra  Flores

Alejandra Flores

The Best Is Always Last. Deb Redmond my wife, love of my life and absolute true companion. You truly are the best and that’s why I am a better man. Your endearing love and affection even though sadistic at time, caused by me to promote my size and look like never before (Those close to me understand the sadistic adjective as it refers to intramuscular injections.) few in this world would do what you do for me. Deb you have invested more into me than anyone else, you have saved my life and inspire me to live each and every day to its fullest potential and to inspire others. You have the kindest of hearts and certainly all can see from your beautiful smile with only love for all. Thanks for being there by my side always.

"The Love of my life at my side as always Deb."

I never stopped training for events as I knew I would soon get the monkey off my back (immigration issues) November of 2014 I had gained twenty one kilograms of mass (50 lbs.) to my physique in a year and told all that I was planning to work at the shopping malls as a Santa Claus during the holidays. Little did they know the plan was to head back to Mr. Mexico Veteranos for my shot at the title only to fall short to Leo Flores (a bodybuilding legend here in Mexico.) coming up short of my goal of one hundred fourteen kilograms of body weight (250 lbs.) I started the fat loss portion of my training in December and by May 15^th I was at approx. six percent, ideally I was shooting for four percent. Training as heavy as possible cleaning up my diet and adding a lot of hours of cardio vascular exercise I worked at my goals seven days a week for over five months. I was surprised at my end results as it had been over a year that I had been in competitive shape. Six weeks out from show time it was time to start practicing posing; this is where my dearest of friends saves the day and becomes my eyes and coach (Alejandra Flores). Countless hours and patience she helped me choreograph and move pose to pose with grace (hard to believe, you say) hitting and holding all poses with a smile and the look of ease.

May 3^rd arrived quickly and it was time to get the game face on. I needed to win the Yucatan Title at the Vigor y Fuerza Event in order to have expenses accommodated to Mr. Mexico in Mexico City. After months of preparation I was ready for the challenge. Once again Alejandra Flores is my hero she took on the monumental task of being the complete trainer. We were fortunate enough to prepare in a dressing room with mirrors and chairs as it was a theater. Alejandra had the job preparing my body with the last coat of Pro Tan, a body paint to darken the skin as it helps your appearance under bright light. She was surrounded by nothing but men in the dressing room and she met the challenge like no other, unaffected by the aging hard bodies around her she applied her professionalism and made me look amazing. Minutes before stage time she ran me through my posing routine, applied the ""Hot Stuff  a vasodilator and instructed me on pump up before hitting the stage. I went out confident and ready and walked away with the first place trophy and a all expense paid ticket to my third Mr. Mexico.

 Upon hitting the stage I could hear Ale's voice reminding to, "Keep the abs tight and in and hit those legs!" 

Trophy Presentation Time.

Happy Shinning Faces!

Mr. México 2015

Placing first in Vigor Y Fuerza gave me my golden ticket to the big dance. I had two weeks to prepare. I truly felt very confident that this could be the "Big Win".  I didn't miss the plane this time, although surprise, little did I know that I would meet  up with "Leo Flores" (A Mexican Legend). He was shooting a documentary about his return as an IFBB Pro. I was in awe as I watched the film crew follow Leo's each and every move. I wasn't sure which category he would be competing, and certainly hoping it wasn't going to be mine. 

Sure enough "Game On!" Leo was in my category. 

Leo and the entourage of documentaros was quickly a humbling experience. It was now time to make friends and approach my competition. Knowing this would be another monumental task to undertake.Being publicly humiliated is not something anyone enjoys (even I, who puts himself in that place many times over). "So Game On! 

It was time to use my charm and charisma (psychological warfare) to diffuse my awkward feeling of immediate defeat. I knew I only had a chance at a second place finish unless he dehydrates to the point of serious crampage. It was now time to introduce myself as he had a break from his media attention and was preparing for his stage presentation. 

Upon approach, being prepared I addressed him properly by saying, "It is truly a honor meeting a bodybuilding legend such as you Leo."  Now for the big question, with my fingers crossed behind my back out of site. "What category are you participating in?"  Praying he would respond 40-49 and quickly smiling knowing this was my year it is my turn to win one of "The Big Dances!" He smiled and grinned then responded, "I was not planning on entering this event being an IFBB Pro but I need the practice and an easy win as I move into my fifties and continue to compete at the highest level of future international competitions." I returned the smile and thought to myself this will be a humbling experience, but not letting emotion take over my expression (Which said shit he is in my category.) I drew a calm smile and replied, I look forward to making you look good on stage." (Which really meant may you trip and fall upon entry mildly sprain an ankle and pose poorly,and may I pose my very best to make up for my inadequacies.) Thus winning the Big Dance.

Leo not only a bodybuilder but a model for his sponsors.

As I looked my best. Leo put me in my place. 

Leo Flores was and is truly a professional!

"War Paint and Warm Up!"

We soon heard our warning for prejudging and and lined up backstage. It was pump up time. I of course brought my elastic bands and began moving the blood for full occlusion. Feeling good about my look and watching Leo do towel pulls I prompted him that I would share so as one held the elastic band around their waist the other would pull. I warned him that he could accidently sustain injury and he may have to seek medical attention. This method of intimidation had absolutely no effect on him, although I mustered a smile and a chuckle out of him, also the band failed to break and injure him.

Pro Tan Time! (War Paint)

"Show Time!"

Prejudging (Saturday)

It was now up the stairs to the mainstage in order. Fortunately for me Leo followed me (Like that was going to make a difference). Out onto the stage I stroll chest up and posture straight and assuming my position. I hear a roar from the crowd and I felt an overwhelming joy and comfort until into my peripheral view I noticed it was Leo drawing the attention. Realizing that this is now a hold on for second place, as I felt very confident. Although being out classed by this specimen of a human being, he brought out the best in me. Posing having fun and not taking things to seriously I truly gave one of my best stage performances, maybe my best. 
Leo was a great sport as well as an inspiration with a true sense of humor. He made my quest more fun. It was now time to wait for top five results and if you qualified the "Show Goes On!".
The show went on.

Leo competed at 5'5" and  192 lbs.

A surprise visit by a superstar, Professional AAA Luchador "Angelico" (Wrestler) Adam Brindle came to watch my performance. I had not seen Adam for eight months it was a great gesture on his part and I certainly needed the support. After competing he found me backstage and checking to verify that I was a top five contestant. Now confident ready for finals and to take on the "Big Dog" Leo.We now had time to visit. He showed me his new home the same arena that I was competing in. The Triple A Meca and home of the 68 Olympic Basketball,Volleyball, Gymnastics and Swimming. As we walked and talked we were interupted by many of his fans.It was nice to have a Superstar Friend and the additional attention. It was much needed for the next day the Final. We parted as he is a ladies man as he had a date. Angelico thanks for the visit and moral support.

"Angelico" (Adam Brindle)

"Angelico showing his craft."

"High Flyer Angelico!"

Final (Sunday)

Sunday morning upon arrival at the arena. I just so happened upon my nemesis Leo first thing before entering the arena and going backstage. No he didn't get food poising from the room service I sent to his hotel. (Damn it!). Not really, all joking aside. We spoke for 15-20 minutes about past experiences. Truly an enjoyable start to a fun day. 

"Leo was and still is incredible."

No time to waste as it was now 10:00 am and we were scheduled for our final at 12:00 pm. Immediately it was time to paint up, pump up and spray vasodilator on. I want to thank Marcus Villegas for taking time out to make sure my cosmetic aesthetics were proper before I hit the stage, as I didn't have the assistance of Alejandra at the event.

Next was line up time backstage. Leo and his entourage followed. Knowing this is my moment and using my sense of humor as we warm up, pump up and practice posing. I said to Leo, "I don't want to hear you crying when they present trophies later this afternoon after I beat you with my first place finish.  What a nice guy as anyone else would have put me in my place he played along. Once again we shared equipment and light hearted comedic conversation as we kept ourselves in stage presentation mode.
   
"Boom Time", it was up the stairs we went and onto the stage taking our places Leo and I in the middle. I thought to myself what a great place to start. (in the middle means 1st, 2nd, or 3rd.) Hoping to stay in the middle throughout our routine posing until "Pose Libre!" (Pose Off Time). Meant a first, second or third place finish and then just maybe with enough charisma and no mistakes every pose perfect and looking my best and Leo falling over with cramps I win. 
Not... Leo brought out the best in me and more than likely my best performance ever. I was relaxed not intimidated prepared and knowing that it was an honor sharing the stage with him. Yes, Leo brought his best too. It made our category shine as we went through quarter turns and into compulsory poses. I felt great doing my very best even knowing I was being humbled with each pose offered up by Leo he had the attention of all and truly makes anyone he competes with look great and brings them up to his level instead of humiliating them. He showed us all and made us all feel like a professionals. I personally give him a Physical Ed thank you for making our field of competitors do their very best. Off the stage we went and now time to wait for four excruciating hours wondering our fate until places and trophies are presented.

Wasting time waiting and wondering how I finished the four hours could have passed slow but it didn't thanks to other competitors as we shared experiences and small talk. Convinced of a second place finish knowing I was competing a against a flawless performance from Leo and my best ever. Hearing nothing but praise and accomplishment from other competitors and those who watched as well as judged, I felt very confident. 

Trophy Time  (Sunday Evening)

Falling in to line, standing and waiting,anticipating my fate. Thinking to myself where did I finish did  I place 2nd, 3rd, 4th, etc. worst case scenario 5th as I was a top fiver. Listening as they called our names for stage entry by order of our place. 5th first thinking don't be me. 4th please don't be me, 3rd please, please don't be me! Left standing with only Leo backstage.He congratulated me and made me feel like I was competitive (like he had to worry). The MC called my name and out I went with an ear to ear smile knowing that I had done my very best and looked and posed at a level I had never thought possible. Truly a very happy moment as many thoughts were passing through my mind, I could hear the crowd erupt as Leo entered the stage smack dab in the middle and hailed as King of the Category. One by one we were presented trophies in order of our place and hugged and kissed on the cheek by each of the female presenters. I returned to my place on stage where I remained second place. I failed to notice although announced as a second place finish and possessing a second place trophy at my feet with a third place medal around my neck that I had not noticed. My trophy was be exchanged with the third place finisher unannounced to the audience and to all. Confusion took over my smile and I now am aware there is a problem. 

Whoops!

Could this be a 3rd place finish? Seeing a third place trophy now at my feet and looking down at my chest I noticed my medal was bronze not silver. Questions ran through my mind and not knowing why, left me in wonder. We exited the stage congratulated each other backstage. Confused looks on our faces, not necessarily Leo's, but me and the 2nd or third place competitor from Michoacan spoke briefly and professionally. We had previously competed against one another in 2012 when he had placed second and I third.  We awkwardly exchanged words but being a true competitor and human being, he made me feel good even though the outcome for me was not in my favor. 

Time for rest and recuperation, sitting and watching and waiting to see who was the absolute winner and knowing that no one could compete with Leo no matter what age. I sat and enjoyed watching him display professionalism at its highest level and walking away as the big winner. He truly was, is and continues to be a true professional as he brings others along to their best also. So thanks for taking me to school Leo it was a great experience and one I have learned from. 

Taco Time!

It was now time for our Yucateco (Yuca-Taco) group to leave the arena with our trophies in hand. Little did we know that our chaperones Raul and Evangelina would be taking us out for a much need celebratory treat. Tacos in the Centro, D.F. (Downtown Mexico City) We entered a beautiful cantina restaurant and bar with Mariachi's as we were in the Plaza De Mariachis'. Accompanied by a official of the IFBB and friend of Raul's whom picked up the tab for all. The tacos were absolutely amazing and chased down with a "chelada cerveza" made it all go down so smooth.  During our taco belly packing, the IFBB Representative and our own Yucatan  State Official Judge Evangelina Cime said  to me in conversation. "Do you know what happend?" I replied, "No and what are you talking about?" They explained to me that I had placed second and was moved to third due to a mark on my left deltoid (shoulder). Now having an understanding of what all the fuss was about on stage etc. I explained to them the mark on my deltoid from an injection in March of 2012 the mark was present when I competed that year, and even more pronounced, it seemed not to be a factor, so I never bothered to address it medically as it seemed to be less noticeable now in 2015. Apparently not, due to better lighting and stage aesthetics  it could be slightly seen. In other words they made a judgement call during the awards while on stage presenting my trophy and changed their decision during  this time. Which made my second now a third therefore the switch in trophies after the announcement of a second place finish and creating little or no chaos, as I didn't even bother notice, until off stage when I was told that I really was second by none other than my competitors. Their explanation was much appreciated as I had no understanding of what had happened. This made my tacos and finish easier to digest.

I would like to thank my roommate and friend Raul Cime for keeping me aware of event times transportation, and getting ready before hitting the stage. He always had a smile and a kind confident word for me.
A big thank you to Sport Center as they have a very supportive sponsor and believer in my quest.

Time to depart and return to Merida. It was now Monday morning and off to the airport as it was 3:30 am. Our flight left at 5:30 am without problems. Quickly arriving in Merida an hour and a half later we were greeted by my beautiful, wonderful wife with trophies in hand.

"Happy Happy Peoples!"

A  Special Thanks!

A extra Special Physical Ed shout out for 5 years of support from truly the finest facility! Thanks for making me a Better Me! Giving me the opportunity to outreach, network, educate and facilitate what I have been taught and share with others. Without your support the well runs dry. Thanks to your  continued support I've accomplished more than I thought possible. May our relationship continue.