In 2011 a long awaited (well long awaited for me…) Evel Knievel bio arrived in book stores. Yes! Evel: The High-Flying Life of Evel Knievel: American Showman, Daredevil, and Legend by Leigh Montville.

Today with an opening in my reading schedule (code for ignoring the stacks of unread books by my bedside); I finally picked it up. Brewed creamy Earl Grey tea (hot), settled into The Big Chair and turned to page 1.

Barely consumed half of page 1 when my Mom walks in, cautiously curious about what I’m now reading. “Evel Knievel!!!” (I may have fist pumped)

She sighed: “When you were a little boy you were addicted to Evel Knievel, we couldn’t tear you away from the tv. I hope you’re not going back to that phase.”

Parents who refer to your dreams as “phases” suck. She’ll see, everybody will when I’m hurtling across the Grand Canyon like a modern day superhero. Oh Yeah.

Haters are the fuel that power dreams:

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Also published on Medium.