Many of you may have read my last column, which discussed domestic violence and how it affected me and my family. The shooting happened a year ago (Nov. 2, 2012). It was my rock bottom. To almost lose your life, it’s hard to imagine what could be lower than that. Now flash forward to this year. Game 6 of the World Series at Fenway Park in Boston. Guess who got to go, who was only 10 rows back from the third-base line? That’s right! That would be me! It was electric. While I’m sure the vast majority of you reading this magazine are Yankees or Phillies fans, you have to admit that it’s pretty cool and exciting. The Red Sox haven’t clinched a World Series victory at home in 95 years. To have been there to witness history is indescribable. It was so loud in that stadium and I was cheering so much I lost my voice! The fans were jumping up and down and screaming, high-fiving, singing, hugging. Just going wild. When they won, the place went crazy … eardrum-shattering cheers, fireworks.worldseriespic At that point it really hit me: I’ve come a long way in a year. Last year, I never thought I’d live a normal life again. That’s how it can feel sometimes with a major trauma or tragedy. And, it does take a lot of work to heal. But I’m living proof that it’s possible. It’s possible to not only heal but to thrive and inspire. If you are ever faced with difficult times in your life — or are going through rough times right now — just hang on. I can promise you that you are stronger than you think. Residents of the Jersey Shore went through some pretty rough times as well last fall after Hurricane Sandy hit. And in the past we have seen how sports can help in that healing, such as the World Series after the September 11 attacks in 2001. I am asked constantly about how I’ve gotten through my trauma. I don’t have a clear answer for that, but what I do know is I never wanted to give up. That is a fundamental lesson we learn as athletes. Like former N.C. State basketball coach Jim Valvano, who fought a courageous battle against cancer, said during his unforgettable speech at the 1993 ESPY Awards, “Don’t give up. Don’t ever give up.” And I’m so very happy I kept fighting to come back. How would I have ever ended up at Game 6 of the World Series this year, one of the greatest sports moments in recent history? What a difference a year makes. Kate Ranta writes about issues that affect teenagers and their parents, athletically, socially and personally. She was born and raised in Forked River, Ocean County. A graduate of Lacey Township High School, she earned her B.A. degree in English from Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, Pa. She has been in the editorial field with a focus on health and wellness for nearly 20 years. To correspond with Kate, or suggest a topic you might like to see her write about, email publisher Dave O’Sullivan: sully@acglorydays.com.