Tombstone

Photo for Headline Surfer 

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- I received a letter in the mail that I had been turned down for Social Security Disability, which presents an all-too-real scenario: I could be dead by the time a second go-around presented itself and a decision rendered.

No thanks!. I refuse to accept defeat, but at the same time, I'm a realist. Improving my health is priority No. 1. The tombstone I've included is a visual to make a point as to how pathetic our system of government is when it comes to delivering on promises and addressing needs.

There are several milestones coming up that are positive:

• April 7: 10th anniversary publishing HeadlineSurfer.com. Let the proclamations begin.

• April 19: My wife and I will celebrate our 9th wedding anniversary. 

• July 28: Full Sail graduation: MA in New Media Journalism, high honors.

My health has been an issue for several years now, but it could improve if I continue following the advice and instructions of my doctors. Since 2013, I have had numerous ER visits and hospitalizations related to my heart and lungs, including two bouts with pneumonia and undergoing life-saving surgery two years ago for an aupper. ascending aorta aneurysm and a damaged heart valve cover.

Besides taking care of my health and finishing my masters, I am going to focus on generating ad revenue with mid-term elections this year at all levels of government. My goal after graduation from Full Sail is to consider teaching in local public schools (geography, social studies, history) or college instructional jobs in multimedia journalism.

Here is a shameless statement on the rejection letter: "Produced and published at U.S. taxpayer expense."