That was a memorable day to me, for it made great changes in me. But, it is the same with any life. Imagine one selected day struck out of it, and think how different its course would have been. Pause you who read this, and think for a moment of the long chain of iron or gold, of thorns or flowers, that would never have bound you, but for the formation of the first link on one memorable day." ~Charles Dickens Such is how I view my journey toward being a personal trainer and bodybuilder with CMT.  My first memory of CMT was being in a dark room with metal rods attached to my body. It felt like a nightmare. Every so often I was shocked with electricity. It terrified me. When I related this memory to my mother she explained this was the way they tested for my condition. After that the first thought I had every day is that I was not like other kids. It still is among the first thoughts I have upon rising in the morning. I wore leg braces for most of grade school so my feet would grow straight; at least that’s what I was told. I felt different. Other kids noticed I wore braces. They constantly teased me, kicked me, pushed me, and called me names. I remember they stuffed me into a locker. One time they took turns tossing me against a wall. I begged them to stop. The more I asked them to stop the more they laughed at me.  I started to believe that something was wrong with me. School was torture and home life was not any better. I became a Ward of the State of California at the age of 15. When I was 18 I met the woman who is now my wife. We got along really well. She comes from a very tight family of ten. When they met me they let me stay with them. They loved me like I never was loved before. People closest to me often told me maybe I should not have kids because they would be different too. I'm happy to say I have two wonderful kids who are completely healthy. I became a trainer after being a banker for six years. My wife introduced me to effective exercise and it piqued my interest because it seemed to help my condition. I then pursed helping others to change their lives through good nutrition and exercise. I love my job because it feels exciting and rewarding. It is indeed my passion!! Right now I am getting ready for the Mr Natural Olympia competition in the physically challenged division, which takes place on November 8, 2013. My biggest accomplishment to date has been overcoming my own thoughts and past.  Truthfully, life is too short to do what doesn’t make you smile.