Hubris, Invincibility, and the Heart Attack That Changed Everything

I beg your indulgence, please, on this Labor Day. I want to share some thoughts on Hubris and Invincibility. In the last few weeks, I have learned a lot about what Rudyard Kipling (in the spirit of his famous “If” poem) would likely have called these two “imposters”.

In early August, I was deeply honored by the Litigation Counsel of America, of which I am a member, with the “Order of Centurions” for LCA lawyers with 100 jury trials. The LCA itself represents the top 0.5 percent of lawyers. The award is quite special. Did I experience Hubris and a sense of Invincibility? Sadly, yes. I was High Cotton.

Then, I was suddenly humbled and brought back to Mother Earth. Just a few days later (August 15), I had a severe heart attack on the basketball court. Before the 15th, I was Invincible and had no signs of a heart issue. Of course, I was wrong.

While recovering for multiple hospital days after five emergency stents were put in, I played my “Levity is Life” Game to cheer myself up. I thought of people (e.g., Forrest Gump and Mark Twain) and their sayings that made me smile—albeit a tad wryly. “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.” Gump was right. After the LCA award, those chocolates tasted really good. And Twain? Well, he famously said that the “report of my death was an exaggeration.” I had dodged a bullet. In the last three weeks, I have used those quotes often to mock the two imposters.

And what did I learn from “the severe punch,” as the heart doctors called it? That enjoying and living life to its fullest is vitally important—and that your life can change in a matter of days, if not hours. Although progress will be slow, strong, and steady, my prognosis is outstanding. I am lucky to have survived and received a valuable lesson about the imposters. To those who haven't heard yet, I am not dead. Instead, I am reborn with a stronger “joie de vivre!

I also learned from the “punch” how grateful and blessed I am for my adorable wife (my love of 41 years!), wonderful three kids, two loyal older brothers, other close family, as well as dear friends, ballers and cagers, firm colleagues, judges, and ole USDOJ comrades. With this missive, I want to thank you from the depths of my full-blooded Italian heart for the countless acts of compassion and generosity bestowed by you upon me.

Again, thanks for your indulgence. But I must opine further. The next time you reach into that cabinet for a poisonous sip from the bottles of Hubris and Invincibility, please reach out to me first.

Levity is Life,

Gene