One In A Million

                                                                        December 31, 2020

As I write this, 2020 has come to an end, thank god! What started out as a year of hope and promise, left heartache and destruction in its wake. We have all seen the news, and most of us know someone who has been affected by this outbreak. I could not have imagined nine months ago that our world would still be so upside down. Yet to the credit of people in general, we struggle to make our lives normal again, because that’s what we do.

In this time of lockdowns, masks, and hand sanitizers, I thought I would brighten your world a little bit, by introducing “ONE IN A MILLION’S” first annual Person of the Year for 2020, drum roll please, ME! Just kidding, it’s Leonard Grim. There are people who for whatever reason come into your life at the right time and for me, Leonard is that guy. Little did I know when I met Leonard, he would have such a profound effect on my life. His determination to fight back is nothing short of amazing.

When I first met Leonard, I was introduced and told that he was a minister at a local church. So, I thought damn, I better watch my mouth, I can work clean so I wasn’t too worried. Turns out Leonard was all my fears bundled up in one person. To be honest it was a little unnerving seeing what Leonard went through, yet there he was. Then I noticed something amazing, in spite of it all he laughed, he was lunatic running around the gym, and threw 10 times as many punches as I did in one minute, Leonard is a beast!

Then as time went on, we spoke about his life with PD, he was honest, it was no picnic and it had worn on him, yet there he stood ready to box. Everyone at RSBGV were all excited when Leonard chose to have a second DBS surgery, but sadly the results were not what we had hoped for. My heart was broken as I saw Leonard return to the gym after the surgery. He was not the Leonard who left for Cleveland to have a new lease on life. Many of us spoke quietly of our concern for Leonard’s wellbeing all the while feeling helpless.

Yet, as time went on” Our” Leonard returned bit by bit, piece by piece. But this was not just Leonard, this was Leonard 2.0, more determined than ever. I see a lot of myself in Leonard, Levodopa has not helped my tremor and I now have drop foot along with all the stuff you can’t see, so I pay attention to Leonard 2.0. His comeback and continued success have fueled my desire to push and then push some more. Leonard Grim is more than just another person battling Parkinson’s disease, Leonard is fighting for all of us. When my time comes to really battle this beast, I will think,” WWLD” (WHAT WOULD LEONARD DO). And all of us who know Leonard know the answer, he would glove up and kicks some ass, screw Chuck Norris! That’s why Leonard Grim is One in a Million’s, Person of the Year, Love You, Leonard.

I want to take the time express my gratitude to all of the people in my family and my Parkinson’s family for your support in 2020. Without your love, support and friendship, my Parkinson’s journey would look quite different. To my fellow boxers, you inspire me with your dedication and willingness to give it your all. You never complain, you never quit, and you never fail, you are winners each and every one of you. 

See You In 2021

Mark Hitechew