PAIN IS MY COMPANION

By Steve Kravetz

Russell's journey is a riveting tapestry, intertwining family history, resilience, and triumph over adversity. Born to a German father with a unique military legacy and a Jewish mother who survived the concentration camps and the Holocaust. Russell's life unfolds against the backdrop of post-World War II America. His life started at 11:55pm on April 10th, 1965, on a military air transit plane, returning from RheinMain AFB, in Germany. He was 11 pounds 7 ounces, and way too big for his mother's birth canal. They had to break Russell's collar bone forhim to be delivered. This was to be the beginning of his journey of pain. Russell's home life was disastrous, but athletics was to be his savior. He shined at football and reached stardom at the University of Louisville, which lead him to become a professional Football player, then a body builder and competitive power lifter. This weaving tale transcends the conventional sports memoir. Beyond the accolades and achievements, Russell's story delves into the complexities of fame, fortune, and the human spirit's capacity for resilience. From battling life-threatening illnesses to surviving a harrowing accident while working at Dallas Ft. Worth Airport, his journey is a testament to the indomitable human spirit.