Our tiny living area was soon to become a dining area. Dad and some of his friends were taking in the carport to become our new super-sized den—at least by comparison. That left precious little time for my record-setting performance.

I began that day like I had many Saturdays before it, taking advantage of the empty carport by riding my bike around in circles. I had—and still have—the habit of counting as I am attending to different trivial matters. Counting steps while I walk. Counting cars as I drive. Counting breaths as I try to fall asleep.

As I was riding my bike around the carport on this particular day, I began countin...

Please subscribe to keep reading.