I have been taking lessons two nights a week plus Saturday practices with the team getting ready for this tournament.

It has been wonderful to see my name mentioned in the American Fencing Magazine in Fall 2003, Winter 2002 and Spring 2003 issues.

Well, Atlanta's World Cup events are over and I took 12th place, both in foil and epee. I have work to do before Budapest, scheduled for Thanksgiving in November. My ranking is 18th in the world for both weapons so I still have to get to 15th in the world by March 2004. I can do it!

So much is going on right now. I have a sponsor, Rusch/MMG, and I have had my name mentioned in several articles. My local newspaper did a story, The Georgia Magazine printed my picture and some quotes while I was volunteering at the Peachtree Road Race on the 4th of July. I am in the Ad for Rusch in the Wheelin Sportsman Magazine wearing my hunting gear. Rusch's graphics genius, Kevin, did a poster of me in my fencing outfit with 13 medals around my neck saying "2003 Atlanta World Cup Wheelchair Fencing Sept. 19-21,2003."

My future plans are going to Florida in October to visit my Mom and sister for a week and work another Abilities Show for Rusch. In November, I have plans to go to California to another show and do a fencing demo with Carol again. Then we will be on our way to Budapest, Hungary for another world cup. I need to finish strong in this one and I am already in training.

I feel blessed that I have accomplished much. More importantly, I feel that    I can inspire others to live a more productive life and go for your goals. It is never too late to try to improve yourself or help others along the way. I am almost 4 years post injury (anniversary is October 19th), and 53 years young and I still have goals. I am on the road to reach them. I thank God, my family and my friends for supporting me.