Living the Dream

Author, Journalist, Father

Tony Rehor is a multifaceted individual whose career spans various fields, including writing, digital marketing, web development, and entrepreneurship. Here is a more detailed look at his life and accomplishments:

Let me tell you a story.

When I was 10 I was in a T-bone collision with my sister. I was thrown from the passenger seat into the driver's side window. Cut up

bad.

Next, when I was 11, I developed a staph infection in my knee—almost gutted my knee. Took me a year to run again.

At 15, Junior in high school my appendix burst, emergency surgery to save my ass.

At 16, I sent my car into a ditch and put a 6-inch tree branch between me and the steering wheel.

25, on the farm. A hay conditioner I was working on fell on me and took me 2 hours to get loose.

At 40, massive heart attack. about dead by the time I got to the hospital.

In 2018, a module was seen on my lung during a CT scan. Three months later, it disappeared.

2020, an echocardiogram showed that an artery in my heart was 98% plugged. A stent was put in.

Do you see a pattern?

I told my story to Grok; here is its answer.

Based on the incredible series of events you’ve shared, it’s natural to wonder if there’s a pattern tying them together.

Let’s break it down and explore what might be connecting these incidents—or if it’s just a case of extraordinary bad luck paired with remarkable

survival.

Possible Patterns

1. A Mix of Accidents and Health Issues

Your story includes:

Accidents: The car collisions (ages 10 and 16) and the hay conditioner incident (age 25) are external, physical events. They suggest either a tendency to be in risky situations or just plain misfortune.

Health Crises: The staph infection (age 11), appendix burst (age 15), heart attack (age 40), lung nodule (2018), and blocked artery (2020) point to internal vulnerabilities.

At first glance, these seem distinct—accidents are environmental, while health issues are biological. But could they be linked?

2. Resilience and Survival

One striking pattern stands out: you keep surviving. Each event—whether a violent crash, a life-threatening infection, or a near-fatal heart attack—could have ended your story. Yet, you’re still here. The tree branch missing you by inches, the lung nodule vanishing, the stent fixing a 98% blockage—these feel almost miraculous. It’s as if fate keeps testing you, and you keep passing the test, often just barely.

3. Potential Health Vulnerabilities

Focusing on the health incidents, there might be an underlying thread:

Infections and Inflammation: The staph infection and appendix burst both involve your body fighting (or failing to fight) something going wrong internally. These could hint at an immune system that’s had some tough battles.

Cardiovascular Issues: The heart attack at 40 and the blocked artery in 2020 suggest a pattern of heart-related trouble. This could be genetic (a family history of heart disease?) or lifestyle-driven (stress, diet, etc.), though you were young for such a severe heart attack.

The lung nodule is an outlier—it appeared and disappeared, possibly a false alarm or a temporary issue. It doesn’t fit neatly with the others but adds to the sense of unpredictable health challenges.

4. Accident Proneness?

The crashes and the farm incident might suggest a knack for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Were these purely random, or could factors like risk-taking, environment (e.g., rural roads, farm work), or even distraction play a role? It’s hard to say without more context, but three major accidents are a lot for one lifetime.

5. No Single Cause—Just Unlucky?

There may be no grand pattern beyond coincidence. Life can be chaotic, and some people face more than their share of hardship. The mix of unrelated incidents—car wrecks, infections, heart problems—might mean you’ve had a run of rotten luck, offset by an uncanny ability to pull through.

My Take

If I had to pinpoint a pattern, I’d say it’s a life of close calls and resilience. You’ve dodged death or serious harm repeatedly, across decades and different types of threats. The health issues hint at potential weaknesses (especially cardiovascular), but the accidents seem more like random strikes of misfortune. The disappearing lung nodule adds a twist—almost like a tease from the universe before letting you off the hook again.

What You Might Do

Given how wild this ride has been, it could be worth talking to a doctor about:

Heart Health: Heart attacks and blocked arteries suggest keeping a close eye on your cardiovascular system.

Overall Checkup: A full workup might catch any hidden risks (immune system, genetics) that could tie some of this together.

Final Thought

Your story is one of survival against the odds. Whether it’s fate, luck, or sheer grit, you’ve got a pattern of coming out the other side. That’s not just a pattern—it’s a superpower. What do you think—does that feel right to you?

Early Life and Personal Background

Tony Rehor was born in Aurora, Illinois, in 1958. He spent his formative years in southern Missouri and North Central Illinois. Tony met his wife, Lora, in high school, and they have been together for over thirty years. Together, they have raised four children and are proud grandparents to multiple grandchildren​ (Tony rehor)​​ (About.me)​.

Writing Career

Tony Rehor is a prolific author, having written over 26 books across different genres. Some notable works include:

  • The Eye Twitch Murders (2013): A gripping mystery novel that weaves a tale of suspense and intrigue​ (Tony rehor)​.

  • Killer Scent (2015): The third installment in the John Twait Mystery Series, which follows the enigmatic detective John Twait​ (Tony rehor)​.

  • Caring for Your First Dog (2012): A practical guide for new dog owners, providing valuable insights into canine care​ (Tony rehor)​.

  • Kettlebell Workouts for You (2012): A fitness guide aimed at incorporating kettlebell exercises into workout routines​ (Tony rehor)​.

  • Go Green: The Number One Hints to Save the Planet from Climate Change (2012): A book emphasizing eco-friendly practices to combat climate change​ (Tony rehor)​.

Digital Marketing and Web Development

Tony Rehor has made significant contributions to digital marketing through his innovative approaches and practical insights. Here are a few ways he has influenced the field:

  1. Educational Content: Tony operates a YouTube channel where he shares valuable marketing strategies and real-world applications. His content is designed to be engaging and accessible, making complex marketing concepts easier to understand.

  2. SEO Mastery: As an accomplished web developer and SEO expert, Tony has helped businesses improve their online visibility and search engine rankings. His expertise in SEO has enabled many small businesses to compete effectively in the digital marketplace.

  3. Entrepreneurial Ventures: Tony's entrepreneurial spirit has led him to run small businesses and engage in various creative projects. His hands-on experience in entrepreneurship has provided him with unique insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by business owners, which he shares through his digital marketing efforts.

  4. Practical Guides: Tony has authored several books, including practical guides on topics like online marketing and SEO. These guides offer actionable advice and strategies for business owners looking to enhance their digital marketing efforts.

  5. Community Engagement: Tony's approach to digital marketing emphasizes community engagement and building strong relationships with customers. He believes in promoting with a smile and making the marketing process enjoyable for both businesses and their audiences.

Tony Rehor's contributions to digital marketing have left a lasting impact on the industry, helping businesses of all sizes navigate the complexities of the digital world.

: Tony Rehor: Writer, Digital Marketer, Entrepreneur: Interview with Tony Rehor - Smashwords

Entrepreneurial Ventures

Tony has also ventured into entrepreneurship, running small businesses and engaging in various creative projects. Despite his attempt to retire in 2013, his passion for business and creativity led him to continue his entrepreneurial activities. He enjoys making people money and continuously seeks innovative ways to achieve this​ (About.me)​.

Personal Interests and Philosophy

Tony Rehor has a deep passion for literature and actively encourages young people to find joy in reading. His creative endeavors are not limited to writing; he also enjoys spending time with his family, engaging in fitness activities, and promoting eco-friendly practices. As he approaches the later stages of his life, Tony remains committed to entertaining and inspiring others through his diverse talents and dynamic spirit​ (Tony rehor)​​ (About.me)​.

Tony Rehor's journey reflects a blend of creativity, business acumen, and a genuine passion for helping others. His contributions to literature, digital marketing, and entrepreneurship have left a lasting impact on those who encounter his work.

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Community TV

To help my community I created a community TV channel. I had over 30k ROKU channel followers. It is also available on YouTube.

a man riding a skateboard down the side of a ramp
a man riding a skateboard down the side of a ramp
Ottawa, Illinois Community TV

Ottawa Illinois Community TV (often referred to as OCTV) is a local access television channel serving the Ottawa, Illinois community. Channels like this typically offer a variety of programming aimed at informing, entertaining, and engaging the local population. Here’s what you might find on such a channel:

1. Local News and Events: Coverage of local news, community announcements, and events happening in and around Ottawa. This might include city council meetings, school board meetings, and other public events.

2. Public Service Announcements: Information about public services, community resources, and important local updates, such as weather alerts or public health announcements.

3. Community Programming: Shows produced by residents, can range from talk shows, cooking shows, and local history programs to features on local businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations.

4. Educational Content: Programs that may focus on educational topics, including local history, environmental issues, or educational programming for students.

5. Religious Services: Broadcasts of local church services or religious programming.

6. Sports Coverage: Coverage of local high school sports, recreational leagues, and other sporting events in the community.

7. Cultural and Arts Programming: Features on local artists, musicians, and cultural events, such as festivals, parades, and performances.

8. Local Government: Replays or live broadcasts of local government meetings, such as city council or planning commission meetings, allowing residents to stay informed about local governance

These channels play a crucial role in fostering community engagement and keeping residents connected to local happenings.

OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT [Large language model]. https://chatgpt.com/c/3803b8d3-f8e7-46bc-872c-3f9eb21753fb

Contact Me

Email

tony@tonyrehor.com