Back from the Dead

by Bill Walton

  Now I just have a few short miles to go. I glide down the groove toward Torrey Pines State Beach, across the estuary, and then the long, hard climb starts up and to the left.

  I’m on the climb. I’m in the zone. It’s what we live for.

  I’m purposefully by myself. There’s nobody else around. I make the halfway curve to the right. I look up, and there’s one of our teammates riding by herself, all alone, on the last stretches of the last climb.

  I can see now that it’s Kelly Fox; she’s a good rider, but she’s having a tough final climb.

  I’m starting to catch her. I’m going to catch her. Kelly’s now struggling big-time.

  Now, Kelly is just like you and me in so many ways, and beautiful as can be. But Kelly is paralyzed from her rib cage down. And she has just ridden her hand-cycle all the way from San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge, well over six hundred miles, to right here on the final slopes of the final climb.

  As I’m coming up behind her, I start calling out to her. I start urging her, “Don’t give up, Kelly . . . You can make it . . . Don’t give up.”

  I start singing “Chimes of Freedom” and “Mission in the Rain.” “Come on, Kelly . . . Ring those chimes . . . One dream, Kelly, one time . . . You can make it, don’t give up.”

  Now I’ve caught her. I look down. She’s on her last climbing gear, and has no easier ones to fall back on. She’s not going to make it. And if she doesn’t get that crank on her hand-cycle turned over one more time, she’s going to start rolling backward down the mountain.

  We’re both crying. We are there together at the moment of truth, one more time. I keep urging her to continue. But it’s not happening.

  And then, from nowhere—nowhere but deep inside—Kelly does find it. She finds something from deep in her core that allows her to slowly, barely, get that crank to turn over. Once. Slowly. Barely. But it’s over the top . . . Then again . . . and again.

  And now she has it. And we find a rhythm. And we are able to make that final stretch of the last long, hard climb—together.

  We crested the summit, and then soared like eagles down into La Jolla, where at the park there were countless little children and their families all running, playing, singing, dancing, and just having the time of their lives—on the beach, on the lawn. Most of the children—and a lot of the adults, too—were in wheelchairs, or with their prosthetics, or on crutches, or whatever.

  It didn’t matter. They were there. And they now had a chance—the chance to play in the game of life one more time. And they have all come to say “Thank you.” As have I.

  I Can See Clearly Now

  I Can’t Get Enough

  Is It the End? Or the Beginning?

  I am so looking forward to what’s next for me. I have been at this for far too long.

  I have a new spine. I have a new knee. And now I’m going off in search of a new life.

  I want to become a student again in this great game. I want to read a book. I want to go to lectures and conferences. I want to watch a movie. I want to go to the theater, museums, exhibitions, and libraries. I want to listen to great speakers, and learn.

  I want to go back on tour.

  I want to live the Sunshine Daydream.

  I want to go back to a life of substance and depth—and get away from the shallow sound bites and snippets.

  I want to ride my bike.

  I want to pay honor and tribute to my fallen heroes, mentors, and role models—Ernie Vandeweghe, Duane Roth, and Chase Boyd.

  I want to ride my bike for a purpose and reason with our Team Chase squad—the greatest team ever—with Lance Weir and our captain, Andy Boyd, Chase’s dad.

  I want to go to the park, to the beach, to the mountains, and to the desert.

  I want to go back to the Mission Valley Y, and my weight room.

  I want to go back to helping those who can’t get by without help.

  I want to go back to raising funds for the nonprofits that are doing work that matters.

  I want to get on with my new business life based on health care, solar energy, sports technologies, education, finance, music, consumer products, and Azuñia Tequila.

  I want to do right by and justice to my renewed media and broadcast partnerships at ESPN, the Pac-12 Network, and the NBA.

  I want to continue to learn from and work with my new business mentors and partners—Pat Kilkenny, the Roth family, Ron Fowler, and Jim Waring.

  I want to go back to my piano and drums.

  I want to go back to my friends and my mom.

  I want to go back to my wife and our children, and get to know our grandchildren.

  I want to go back to my brothers and sister.

  I want to spend time with all the people I love and care about.

  I want to be with Cortez, whom we rescued from our son Chris. Cortez is now my service dog. He makes me happy. And he is the greatest dog in the history of the world.

  * * *

  I am happy again right now. Happy to be moving on down the road, looking forward to the next long, hard climb—one more time, with still so much more to do.

  My history tells me that there’s a crash coming soon.

  But I know this time will be different.

  I’ve got my family and my friends. And I’ve got Cortez.

  I know I can make it through.

  I can see clearly now.

  Artwork © 2015 Mike DuBois

  The Game of Life. (Family)

  I love parades. (Roger Jensen/The Oregonian)

  This was supposed to be this book’s cover . . . My publisher said NO!!! (Artwork by Mike DuBois)

  This was the next version . . . They said NO again!!! (Artwork by Mike DuBois)

  And again . . . NO!!! (Artwork by Mike DuBois, Photo by Jay Blakesberg)

  In the beginning—The Foundation. Rocky and my Dad. (Family)

  Ernie Vandeweghe—from whom all good things flowed, like an eternally blooming flower . . . He was always the bridge over the deepest chasms. (Vandeweghe Family)

  The hopes and dreams of young boys who just wanted more from their dad. (Family)

  There is nothing like the pride of a dad. (Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE/Getty Images)

  Our latest family photo . . . Aspen, Colorado, August 2013 . . . We now have five more grandchildren. (Family)

  I’m the luckiest guy ever . . . Happy in love and the proud dad of the greatest dog in the history of the world. (Taylor Hanson)

  Cortez, standing guard, and like Maurice Lucas always ready “to take care of this.” (Taylor Hanson)

  Shining the light, and ringing the chimes of freedom for those in need in Lithuania. (Sam Morris)

  Trying my best to walk like a giant with these heroic pillars of humanity. (Family)

  Working together to build the foundation for a better tomorrow. (Mitchell Layton/NBAE/Getty Images)

  Greg Lee and The Coach . . . if only . . . please reread Chapter 9. (Associated Students UCLA)

  Trying to get forgiveness for something I could never get permission for. Please reread Chapter 9. (Tim Sullivan)

  Duane Roth—the combination of Coach Wooden, Chick Hearn and Maurice Lucas—all in one. (Philipp Scholz Rittermann)

  David Halberstam . . . A most wonderfully insightful and compassionate friend . . . And quite the personal librarian. (Arnold Newman/Getty Images)

  “I’ll take care of this.” (James Drake/Sports Illustrated/Getty Images)

  Bringing the heat . . . dizzy with possibilities. (Photograph © Bob Minkin)

  How sweet it is when reality is better than your dreams. (Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE/Getty Images)

  Inspiration . . . Move me brightly. (Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE/Getty Images)

  Team Chase—greatest team ever . . . Riding our bikes, all day, every day. (Carlos Gutierrez)

  I love my bike . . . I live for the long hard climb . . . (Mike Munk)

  My new life as a prop. (Dave Mayer)

  “Nothing left to do but smil
e, smile, smile” (Stan Grossfeld/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

  Thanks Red, Larry and Boston—for giving me my life back. (Steve Lipofsky/Corbis Images)

  Larry Bird was so good that the Celtics were able to sell these seats. (Steve Lipofsky/The LIFE Images Collection/Getty Images)

  K.C. Jones and Robert Parish . . . The epitome of championship greatness—leadership, culture, foundation, sacrifice and discipline. (Jennifer Pottheiser/NBAE/Getty Images)

  Family, friends, the team, the locker room—and winning. (Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE/Getty Images)

  The Galapagos, 1979. Figuring out the evolving game of life. (Family)

  Trying to make sense of it all. Thanks for your patience, Brent. (Garrett Ellwood/NBAE/Getty Images)

  Thanks, Chick—for teaching me to love the game of life. (Catherine Steenkeste/NBAE/Getty Images)

  Celebrating the genius, love and durability of my best friends Ralph and Jo Lawler . . . 2,500 of the worst basketball games and business ever—but definitely the most fun, and intellectually stimulating . . . And finally I got to speak . . . (Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE/Getty Images)

  Washington, D.C. 1994. Academic All-America HOF. History. Knowledge. Teaching. “The Other Side of The Game.” (Family)

  Starting the fast break—my favorite part of the game. (George Long/Sports Illustrated/Getty Images)

  (San Diego Union-Tribune)

  (San Diego Union-Tribune)

  The top of The Pyramid . . . Be at your best when your best is needed. (Hank Delespinasse/Sports Illustrated/Getty Images)

  It’s not how high you jump. But rather—where and when. (Dick Raphael/NBAE/Getty Images)

  Maurice always had our backs. (Dick Raphael/NBAE/Getty Images)

  I went to VIP’s but I couldn’t get Coach to come to Death Valley on his bike, or on the Grateful Dead Tour. (Family)

  The bus came by and I got on. (Family)

  In church on New Year’s Eve . . . Ringing the Chimes of Freedom for what’s next. (Family)

  Finding my path forward: Leadership, teammates and the jump rope. (Roger Jensen)

  What we live for—joy, happiness, accomplishment, winning. (Ralph Perry)

  The day that I beat Kevin one-on-one in front of the entire Celtic family was the greatest singular moment in my basketball career. (Bill Brett/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

  Lenny Wilkens and Spencer Haywood both deserved better—in everything. (Brian Babineau/NBAE/Getty Images)

  Jack Ramsay and Pete Carril . . . Drifting, dreaming, and trying to soak it all in. (Rocky Widner/NBAE/Getty Images)

  A new game, sitting down with a new friend and sweet song. (Andy Hayt/NBAE/Getty Images)

  With a lot of help from my friends, I Love It Live. (Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE/Getty Images)

  We bid you goodnight, after another perfect day . . . time to get ready for tomorrow. (Family)

  SONG CREDITS

  Chapter Titles and Epigraphs

  1. One Way or Another This Darkness Got to Give

  (“New Speedway Boogie,” The Grateful Dead)

  2. My Time Comin’ Any Day, Don’t Worry ’Bout Me, No!

  (“Estimated Prophet,” The Grateful Dead)

  Epigraph: “Estimated Prophet,” The Grateful Dead

  3. Here Comes Sunshine

  (“Here Comes Sunshine,” The Grateful Dead)

  Epigraph: “Can’t Come Down,” The Grateful Dead

  4. Pleased to Meet You, Hope You Guess My Name

  (“Sympathy for the Devil,” The Rolling Stones)

  Epigraph: “Sympathy for the Devil,” The Rolling Stones

  5. You Say You Want a Revolution

  (“Revolution,” The Beatles)

  Epigraph: “Ohio,” Neil Young

  6. My Lightning, Too . . . The Music Never Stops

  Epigraph: “The Music Never Stopped,” The Grateful Dead

  7. Commissars and Pinstripe Bosses Roll the Dice, Whichever Way They Fall—Guess Who Gets to Pay the Price

  (“Throwing Stones,” The Grateful Dead)

  Epigraph: “Deal,” The Grateful Dead, and “Up to Me,” Bob Dylan

  8. New Morning

  Epigraph: “New Morning,” Bob Dylan, and “Playing in the Band,” The Grateful Dead

  9. The Great Unraveling

  Epigraph: “Uncle John’s Band,” The Grateful Dead, and “High Time,” The Grateful Dead

  10. Feel Like a Stranger

  (“Feel Like a Stranger,” The Grateful Dead)

  11. Help on the Way

  (“Help on the Way,” The Grateful Dead)

  Epigraph: “Terrapin Station,” The Grateful Dead

  12. Shadowboxing the Apocalypse

  (“My Brother Esau,” The Grateful Dead)

  Epigraph: “Box of Rain,” The Grateful Dead

  13. I Need a Miracle

  (“I Need a Miracle,” The Grateful Dead)

  Epigraph: “Jack Straw,” The Grateful Dead

  14. Eyes of the World

  (“Eyes of the World,” The Grateful Dead)

  Epigraph: “Eyes of the World,” The Grateful Dead

  15. Knocked Down—It Gets to Wearin’ Thin

  (“Truckin,” The Grateful Dead)

  16. Once in a While You Get Shown the Light, in the Strangest of Places If You Look at It Right

  (“Scarlet Begonias,” The Grateful Dead)

  Main Text

  Page 2: “The Wheel,” Jerry Garcia

  Page 4: “Uncle John’s Band,” The Grateful Dead

  Page 5: “The Music Never Stopped,” The Grateful Dead

  Page 6: “The Wheel,” Jerry Garcia

  Page 12: “Truckin’,” The Grateful Dead

  Page 13: “Turn On Your Love Light,” The Grateful Dead

  Page 13: “Comes a Time,” Jerry Garcia

  Page 14: “The Music Never Stopped,” The Grateful Dead

  Page 15: “The Wheel,” Jerry Garcia

  Page 15: “Old Man,” Neil Young

  Page 64: “Ohio,” Neil Young

  Page 64: “Just Like Tom Thumb’s Blues,” Bob Dylan

  Page 65: “Dancing in the Streets,” Marvin Gaye, William Stevenson, Ivy Jo Hunter

  Page 66: “Stella Blue,” The Grateful Dead

  Page 68: “Casey Jones,” The Grateful Dead

  Page 74: “Maggie’s Farm,” Bob Dylan

  Page 79: “Like a Rolling Stone,” Bob Dylan

  Page 107: “Ohio,” Neil Young

  BILL WALTON is busier than ever today. He is back on the air with ESPN and the Pac-12 Network. He is fully engaged in the business of sport, health, solar energy, science, technology, consumer products, and a vast array of nonprofits. He is back on the corporate speaking circuit. And he is the volunteer Executive Chairman of SD Sport Innovators (SDSI), a nonprofit, business-accelerating trade organization that connects and drives the sports and active lifestyle industries of Southern California’s vibrant and dynamic economy. He currently resides in his hometown of San Diego with his family and is back to loving and riding his bike.

  Visit him at www.BillWalton.com

  @BillWalton

  @BillWalton

  BillWalton

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  First Simon & Schuster hardcover edition March 2016

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