First, I wanted to thank all of you for your kind comments.  It really meant a lot to log online and see the support that many of you offered.  As some of you know, my father died of carbon monoxide poisoning on June 11th and my mother was in a coma from June 11th until Monday June 16th.  She has started to come around and will start both neuro (brain) and physical recovery very soon.  She is able to see, speak, read, and her memory is fairly accurate.  It will take some time, but she will live.  The reason I wanted to share this information with all of you is the relevance of the matter to this particular blog.

My mother lived a very healthy lifestyle - she regularly did pilates, yoga, weight-training and cardio.  She loved to cook and would cook very healthy meals (you can see where I got it from, lol).  The doctors said that without question the strength of her physical body allowed her to recover.  When she came to the hospital she had 25% carbon monoxide in her body, and her heart was operating at 10 to 15% of capacity.  If she had had any pre-existing heart issues or weight issues, she would not have made it.  This is not merely me saying this, but the team of doctors who examined her.  Remember, the heart is a muscle, and the more you utilize it by being active, the stronger it gets.  If you are inactive, the heart weakens, so it is vital that you do cardiovascular training to strengthen it.  It was not a coincidence that when the responders came into my parents bedroom, my father had already died and my mother was barely holding on.  My father had had 2 open heart surgeries over the last few years, and had different health issues relating to the poor condition of his heart. 

I know a lot of people exercise just for the physical look, and that is fine - a little vanity is probably a good thing for most people, because it won't allow them to let themselves go; however, weight-training/pilates/yoga/cardio can truly save your life, for it saved my mother's without question. 

This is a very tough time for me, as I'm mourning the loss of my father, whom I loved dearly, and assisting my mother in her recovery process, but I will be back on the blog.  I'm hoping after a few more weeks, I will be back in Florida, and can continue along as before.  Thanks again to everyone at RB for being understanding and concerned about me as a person.


-Peter 

07/15/2008

Monique: Peter, your father will be greatly missed. He was an amazing man and I know the respect you had for him. I listened to Dalaras a couple weeks ago and thought of that concert in the rain with him and Paul. It still gives me goosebumps. Your mother is an inspiration, in more ways than one. I wish her the best on her road to recovery. Know that whatever our life situations may be and wherever we are, you will always be in my heart and in my mind. "The intellect thinks. The body dances. And the spirit sings. A song, a simple song. When love and memory are overwhelming, and the soul, though crushed, takes flight, it does so in a simple song." ~Your favorite novelist

07/14/2008

ronray: Peter, I finished the cover. Here's the link: http://ronnybaby.deviantart.com/art/Adonis-comic-book-cover-91702956 Ronray

06/29/2008

Angel: Hang in there!! This really made me realize I need to take care of myself. Hope all is well!!

06/29/2008

ronray: Peter, Hang in there Peter. By the way, I finished painting the cover of your comic book. Ronray

06/25/2008

Guillermo: Pete, You have no idea how I felt while reading what you wrote about the details of your situation, man... I have no idea what to say other than I am deeply sorry and if I could do something for you, just ask. Takes a lot of you to say it and share it, and I am pretty sure all of your fans do care about your situation. You are awsome!!

06/25/2008

Mike: Hi Peter I give u my condolences to you and you know you are a beautiful human that help people and advises too!!! Don't feel sad, 'cause your mom and your dad will be with you ever after,and they will bless you wherever you are and what aver you done. I send you a big hold and I hope you never change and your fans will be with you for ever!!! Kisses!! Mike from Tehuacan, Puebla, Mexico

06/23/2008

flexem: Pete, my condolences on the death of your father. Please take care of yourself too. I've enjoyed your websites for years and I hope you stay well through this difficult time.

06/23/2008

willjam: Dear Pete, I so sorry to hear of the lost of your father. My condolences to you and your family. I pray that your mom make a speedy recovery -- Bill

06/21/2008

jasonfair: thank you for updating us on how you are holding up. my condolences to you and your family and i wish your mother a very speedy recovery. -jason

06/21/2008

olivia: hey hunny, that was a very nice blog. i know that this is a very trying and hard time for you but i also know that you are stronger than you think ( inside, not muscles ) this is a life changing experience for you but i know that with time, and the love and support of your friends and family you will be able to think of your father with only good memories and be able to enjoy your mother as much as you can. i love you very very much, i know you know that. you have been a blessing in my life and i cant thank god enough for giving me a friend like you. i cant wait till you get back to florida. remember i am always here for you. i know i dont have to tell you that in words cause i know you know. all my love, oli bad baby.

06/21/2008

Patient Perseverance: Hey Peter: Your blog was very moving and sobering. Most of all, you are an awesome human being, and are in everyone's thoughts. :-)