Joe

About me... There is so much to say. Where to begin? I was born February 7, 1982, in Vancouver, WA. My father, Steven Taylor, was a mechanic and a handyman, and my mother, Jackie, stacked boards in a sawmill. My family moved to Greenville, Fla., when I was an infant. Although it was a poor existence, with my father "hardly ever around", I describe myself as a "happy kid". The tragedy and painful memories of the next several years however would change me forever. At just five years old I had to endure the trauma of witnessing the brutal death of my family when there was a terrible accident involving a rabid, hell bent guinea pig who escaped from the town petting zoo. Soon after the death of my family, I gradually began to lose my sight and by 7 years of age I was blind. Since this time, I relocated, back to Vancouver, WA. I looked for work vigorously. But, alas, no one wanted to hire "a cripple", as they put it. It was becoming increasingly difficult to find hope. I was depressed and often thought of suicide. That's when I found I was decending into a life of drugs and loose women. I was living out on the streets begging daily, stealing to survive, while always looking for my next fix. Just when I had hit rock bottom, I made a choice. I was going to prove my true potential. I took the path I knew I was destined for. Greatness. I transcended all boundaries and obstacles and became the man I am today. Some say "hero", I say American.