Shoot for the sun in everything you do, because even if you miss,
you will land among the stars, and that is a great place to be.
“The Big One sends a powerful message to all: Encourage our youth to “make the right decision.” ”
“This book takes us on a poignant and heartfelt journey of a young man’s will to beat all odds and obstacles and is a true testament of never giving up on life or dreams!”
Running with the wrong crowd nearly killed him.
Learning to walk again taught him that miracles happen when we step into the light.
The year was 1974 and Mike Krysiuk was a high school senior who had finally hit his stride. He loved baseball, being in a band with his buddies, and cruising around in his Chevy Chevelle blasting tunes on his 8-track. That spring Mike was finally popular—part of the "in" crowd—the cool jocks who cut classes, got away with it, and always dated the pretty girls. He even made the varsity baseball team but spent the season getting splinters on the bench. When the coach finally called Mike in to relieve the star pitcher, a scout from the Mets who had come to observe the starter got to see Mike close the game with his famous sinker and turn a blow out into a one-run loss for the Wreckers. Suddenly, the major leagues were more than just a dream.
After the game Mike was elated, and despite his parents’ wanting him home right away to catch up on the homework he’d been skipping, he decided to go out with his new friends to celebrate. The boys planned a short drive across the border into New York where they could buy some beer at a liquor store. Mike got the seat of honor, riding in the tiny Triumph GT6 belonging to Ted, a James Dean type and the cool crowd’s cocky ringleader. They sped away with Mike’s six-foot-four frame crammed into the passenger seat—a decision that would change his life forever.
Mike Krysiuk
I hope that by reading this story you will see what happens when a person walks in other peoples’ shadows, whether that be me, you, your friends, anybody, and everybody. That is why I live by this golden rule, as shown to me in my coma at the crossroads of my life: Shoot for the sun in everything you do, because even if you miss, you will land among the stars, and that is a great place to be.
Follow your dreams—they do come true. I am living proof!
Mike Krysiuk grew up in Westport, Connecticut, and worked at Town Hall there for over 25 years, where his friendly and positive presence made paying taxes as close to a pleasure as it could be. He has done stand-up comedy, lectured on his story, and performed (voice and guitar) his original songs in local venues. His story was the subject of a one-man show at the Westport Museum for History and Culture, and he even had a bit part in the film, Revolutionary Road. Mike wants his story to help today’s youth learn the dangers of being a follower and not a leader, of getting in with the wrong crowd and walking in the shadows. It is Mike’s hope that his personal tragedy will prevent teenagers from reckless drinking and driving accidents. He knows he came back from the edge of death for many important purposes, but one of the greatest is sharing his story so the next generation does not forget his hard-earned lessons.
“Awe-inspiring, a truly miraculous story of a lion-hearted athlete who displayed great courage and determination when faced with insurmountable hurdles to regain his life after a horrific accident.
Beautifully penned and thoroughly captivating.”
Click on photos for description.
In addition to being an author, Mike is an accomplished songwriter and musician.
Working on a new song to inspire you all to shoot for the sun!
