Jim Fuller celebrated his birthday at the Brick House with his fellow fitness friends with a wonderful breakfast and coffee.

Jim took a few minutes to share some things with the group. He spoke about how he lost his wife suddenly 23 years ago and what a difficult time that was in his life. He then shared that he had severe back problems six weeks before he was to retire from his job.

He had been seeing a chiropractor for therapy and swimming for exercise at the Y. He said he got to the point he asked for exercises that he could do at home on his own. One day while swimming he noticed a fitness class going on and thought I’m going to try that. So he started attending the class and the class was doing exercises like he was doing at home plus much more.

Then Jim said “The Y also saved my life, a few years ago I was gravely sick (pneumonia) and was in the hospital in Albert Lea. The doctor came in and asked if I had any children, yes, in the Twin Cities, Michigan and Texas. He said that I need to contact them and have them come. I asked is it that bad and he said yes. As you can see I’m still here today (laughter). The doctor told me and the kids if I hadn’t been in such good physical health I wouldn’t have survived, so thanks to the Y.”

He also extended a thank you to the instructors for their commitment for classes and beginning younger and wanting to teach to us “old people.” Vicki commented that we want to be like them when we are Jim’s and others members age. Each one of you are wonderful role models for health and fitness. He also expressed his gratitude to other members for their friendships, support and the great time they have conversing in the lounge before the start of class each day.

Jim is a loyal participant to the Y (25 years), the Active Older Adults class (he is the oldest in the class) and to his health. Even if you don’t know Jim he is a wonderful person and has preserved through difficult times; death of his wife, physical problems and the possibility of his own death. He walks through the door each day with a positive attitude, loves to joke around with other members and his love/commitment to exercise.

He has said it to me many times that the Y should be packed with people his age; they are retired and have plenty of time to exercise.