Chapter 30: Becoming the Victor

At 4:14 p.m. on Tuesday, April 6, 1982 the temperature was about 37°F when my mother and father welcomed me into this world. Being born at Methodist Evangelical Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky forever connected me to the roots of my Bluegrass State. The first few hours of my life, were some of the scariest moments for my parents because I was not breathing and had complications that quickly needed attention from the hospital staff. As a result of my challenging beginning, my Vietnam War Veteran father chose to name me Victor; an overcomer of life’s early obstacles. Leon was given from my Birmingham-native mother. From day one, I’ve proudly adorned Victor Leon Powell like a tailored-made suit.