Descended from a Sicilian immigrant family, John’s father insisted he earn a doctorate, resulting in fame, wealth, and travel. As a scientist, researcher, and surgeon, he believed he had total control of his existence and deserved its rewards, ignoring the possibility of a higher power. Endless sunsets from his home, travel to exotic lands, a wonderful family, sumptuous foods, and expensive wines did not deliver peace and joy. Instead, stress, hypertension, and chronic back pain resulted from failed partnerships, an employee embezzlement, a dishonest contractor, and near bankruptcy. His happiness and contentment improved only after he submitted his will to God. His ultimate reward was a miraculous vision of seven blazing crosses in the tomb of an ancient saint on the famous pilgrimage route—the Camino de Santiago in Spain. Seven years later, after a dire prognosis of advanced prostate cancer, a trip to Lourdes, France, resulted in emotional and physical healing. He lives in La Jolla, California, with his wife and family.
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