I have what you could say is the average middle class life of a family man. Atleast thats what you would say if you didn't know the whole story of what could be described as a checkered life. Shane Carwin is on a different level than any other fighters when it comes to being an inspiration. My biological father left me and my mother when I was two years old. Unlike Shane I was fortunate enough to have a great man step in and become my father. When I read and hear Shane talk about him and his brothers not having a father in their life, I cannot even begin to imagine what that would or could have been like. What makes Shane so unique is that he doesn't portray this as a burden, yet he portrays it as a positive motivation provided by the determination of his mother to have successful sons.

On September 31, 2002 I was in a head on car collision where I was a passenger that landed me in the hospital with a shattered hip joint and a concussion with lacerations and embedded glass on my face from where I hit the windsheild on two seperate occassions. I was set to go to George Mason University to pursue my baseball career on a scholarship through the program. I had been wrestling since I was 10 years old and had dabbled in other martial arts throughout the years. At the time I didn't have knowledge of any schools for MMA where I lived. I always watched intently while gladiators performed feats that I wanted to do so badily.

Since the accident it has been an up and down rollercoaster ride that has involved drugs, alcohol, tears and fears that would make a great movie script. I have always had a deep burning to compete in MMA but just wasnt dealt the cards to be able to do so. On December 27th, 2006 I got the biggest blessing that could be given. My daughter Kaydence Saleen was born and it changed my life.

I havent missed a UFC fight in forever and watch and follow MMA intently on a daily basis. When I read and heard the words that Shane speak, I feel like I can live my dream through his success in MMA. He is a devoted family man, a believer in Christ, and a humble competitor that has made the most out of what he has been given. It is easy to sit back and sulk over things that we have no control over, but what makes you a man, is when you take a bad situation and make a success story out it.

All I can say is thankyou to Shane. Being an inspiration to someone without even knowing it isnt an easy feat to accomplish. When you are not a fake person and allow faith in God to provide you with answers, being a role model is the outcome. Shane Carwin is that to me and I hope that he is to many others as-well