Kane is a New York native who grew up with an alcoholic father that beat him on a regular basis. He describes an incident where his father beat him with a pair of hedge clippers so bad that his head bled profusely and stuck to his pillow when he went to bed. He was never taken to the hospital for treatment. Kane also speaks about being sexually molested by a stranger near some railroad tracks by his home in the Bronx. Although, he didn't tell his parents for fear that they would blame him.
As Kane grew up, he only knew of one way to rid himself of the agony he was dealing with, and that was to turn to the bottle, just as his dad did. Another way of escape for Kane was joining the Hells Angels. But after fighting uncontrollably with other gang members and rivals, he was also rejected by the gang. His health eventually deteriorated and he contracted Hepititis C. Feeling as if he had no reason to live anymore, Kane turned to the bottle again. However, this time in a desperate plea, he asked God to show him the good in himself and how to become better. Richie got his answer. He claimed through Alcoholics Anonymous, meditation, and looking to God for answers, he says he found strength to forgive his father, the man who molested him, and the gang members who tried to kill him. Kane was quoted as saying, "They never touched my core being. That's where the light is. There's a part of everybody that's pure that nobody can get to you there."
What an inspiring way to look at life's circumstances. This man obviously went through so many horrific things in his life, yet even though life was unfair to him, he still found hope in God. I wonder if any of the former fellow gang members will follow suit and be able to turn their lives around also.
The article doesn't make any reference to what went on with his mother during those years, or where either of his parents are now. However, it does mention that Kane wrote a book entitled, "The Bronx Kid: Into 12-Step Recovery". A more detailed version of what he went through, and where they are now, is most likely described in the book. He claims that the book is a way of passing on the hope he has now embraced.
I'm sure he will reach so many people with his book and his story. These days it's hard to find people that aren't looking for a better or higher purpose in life. Hopefully Mr. Kane can live a much happier life now that he himself has found a higher purpose.
As I stated earlier, Richie Kane is planning to go to college and get a degree. He is wanting to study journalism, so he might very well touch millions. What a great story.
I can not imagine going through all of that in life and still being able to find the positive things. I do not think there are many people out there that could do that.
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