What Decisions Have You Made That Ended Up Having a Big Impact On Your Life?

There are several decisions I have made that have had a lasting impact on my life.Looking back, one moment still gives me pause. 

One day, my friends and I were playing at the point near the river, with General Electric across the water. I noticed a gun in the water and picked it up. I aimed it across the river and squeezed the trigger. It fired a bullet. I immediately threw the gun back into the water. 

Even now, I shudder to think that if I had playfully aimed that gun at one of my friends and pulled the trigger, the impact on my friend, and on the rest of my life, would have been devastating. It was well known that there was a Mafia presence in Revere at the time, and it is probable that the gun had been involved in a serious crime. Thank God I made the decision I did.

The best decision I ever made was marrying Ann Day. She was a good wife, a true companion, and a wonderful mother to our children.

Another important decision came during my senior year of high school, when the State of Massachusetts administered aptitude tests. The results showed I had an aptitude for figures, so I decided to enroll at Bentley and study accounting. It proved to be a good decision. When the opportunity arose to become the bank’s treasurer, I had the education and confidence to assume the position.

One decision that brought me more joy than I could have imagined started with a phone call from a high school friend. He said, “A department store in Boston is having a sale on golf clubs. We should buy some clubs.” I bought them, and he never did. That simple decision led to more than 70 years of enjoyment playing golf.

Selling our house in Rhode Island and moving to Florida was another good decision. Raising five children never allowed us to accumulate a lot of savings, but we had built equity in our home. We were able to sell high in Rhode Island and buy low in Florida, with no mortgage and money in the bank. That move led to Ann taking up golf and allowed us to make many new friends.

I have also faced health setbacks that required therapy. I made the decision to do extra work in rehab facilities so I could continue living independently in Florida and return to the golf course. That extra effort made all the difference. After not being able to golf for more than a year, I was able to get back out there. I am only chipping and putting for now, but feeling the warm sun on my face and sinking a few putts felt wonderful.

As I sit in my recliner and prepare to catch up on the day’s news, I am proud of today’s accomplishments and deeply grateful for the extra five years of life I have been given.

Addendum by Trisha: This post was written in 2018. Dad is still going strong and enjoying life every day. He's no longer able to golf. He is now living in an assisting living facility. He's been through a lot in 2025 and has had to make many adjustments. But every day he still finds something to be inspired by and grateful for.