The author finds a new life after three encounters with death

July 15, 2024

Hard Bargain by Donald G. Denihan with Jon Land

For Donald Denihan, it should have been the fishing trip of a lifetime. Instead, a tough trade with the sea almost cost him his life.

As documented in his captivating memoirs, Tough businessNear-death experiences were nothing new for this successful real estate entrepreneur. At 16, a hunting accident almost cost him his foot. A long hospital stay and equally long rehabilitation made Donald more resilient and made him believe that he could overcome anything.

This hunting accident was certainly not Denihan’s last encounter with death. But it was his experience at sea that changed his life more than anything else.

In this current question and answer session, the author tells in detail his story, how the events led him to see life with different eyes, and the many valuable insights that resulted from it.

Q: Why did you write Tough business?

A: I wanted to share my experiences with others – not just the boating accident that dominates the book, but also the hunting accident in which I was shot at age 16 and then diagnosed with an extremely aggressive form of prostate cancer in my mid-thirties. I wanted people to know that they too can win the tough choices they make with life and that they can come out of this experience, like I did, stronger and better people.

Q: Your life was in danger several times, but especially when you were at sea, as described in the book. What were the most important lessons you learned about yourself during that life-threatening event?

A: To take nothing for granted. Life is so precious, but it can also be extremely fragile. As you say, I learned this the hard way, but it was the boating accident that sparked in me a desire to help others, just as I was literally lifted out of the ocean by a rescue team in a seaplane. Ironically, Superstorm Sandy struck shortly after I returned home. So many people lost everything, and I was able to help two families in need for no reason other than it felt right. I have since started the God Is Good Fund to amplify my efforts even further.

Q: What role did your father play in this experience?

A: My father died of the same aggressive prostate cancer that nearly took my life at 23. He was a WWII veteran, maybe even a war hero, but he never talked about that or anything else. I remember saying during my recovery from three shots as a boy, “I love you.” His response was, “Go to bed.” See, he came from a different generation and did the best he could with what he had. But that night at sea, I know in my heart that he was there in spirit form to guide me and make sure I never gave up. I truly believe he saved my life, and that realization has made me a better father and a better person.

Q: What do you hope readers take away from your book?

A: Get up when life knocks you down. Never give up, never quit, and put the most value in the people you love, not the things you own. We are only in this world for a short time, and I want readers to enjoy every minute of it without having to learn lessons the hard way like I did. I want them to live through that horrific night at sea vicariously through me, and come out of reading the story better people than I did. I want people to look into their own souls and ask themselves how they can approach their hard deals in a positive, constructive way that will benefit them from the experience while inspiring others to face their similar difficulties and embrace the lessons learned.

Q: How do you apply the lessons from this experience in your future life?

A: By being a better husband, father and grandfather. By living in the present and appreciating the things I enjoy most in life. By treating everyone with the respect they deserve and recognizing how hard life is for so many. And, most importantly, by recognizing that the most important things in life are family, friends and faith.

Near-death experiences give the author a new life

Donald DenihanCEO of TAH Properties, has been in the real estate and hospitality industry for over 30 years. Prior to TAH, he served as Director of Construction and Technical Services for Affinia Hospitality and the Denihan Portfolio of Real Estate Assets. He is active in many nonprofit organizations and established the God Is Good Fund to directly support several of the groups he sponsors. Donald holds a BA in Business Administration from Iona College.