By 1996 I had endured many hardships; but, considered myself successful. I had a large efficient shop that I had constructed with my own hands and had stocked with modern tools.
My, Dream Machine all terrain boat had sprung into life and was absolutely wonderful.
As the years passed I became reconciled with the swamps; I no longer talked, to myself ... now, I talked to the swamps!
And then in one dreadful night fire destroyed it all — it was gone — Leap Year night 1996.
I said, in shock, to my wife and friends as we huddled nearby and watched my shop burn to the ground; well one thing, we won't have to remember this
anniversary but once every four years. I entered a dismal time in my life; where I could not see ahead because of the hurt that was behind me.
