Not everyone gains a second chance at life. Thankfully, miracles do happen. This miracle
in particular took place right before my eyes.
My best friend’s father voyaged to the doctor’s office after
battling what he believed to be common cold. After a quick examination, he was immediately
life-flighted to the hospital and diagnosed with viral and bacterial pneumonia,
then swine flu. After the news reached my household, I was told to prepare for
the worst, for the chances of survival were slim to none. I learned that as the
sickness crept deeper into his body, he started to shut down. For two and half
months, the machines remained the only thing keeping him alive. On seven
different occasions, his family received a call from the doctors, asking them
to come to the hospital and say their goodbyes. Seven times they traveled to
the hospital, prepared to see their loved one for the last time. He lived as
the sickest man in the entire nation. His name was seen on prayer lists of
churches around the country. Miraculously, his soul never perished. He fought
on. Slowly and steadily he made progress with the help of the innovative technology.
At the end of it all, the machines only sustained his vital organs. Both legs
and his right arm were amputated.
And he received a second hand.
Not only a second hand, but a second chance at life. Through
the power of prayer, combined with his resilient fight for life, he lives as
one of the happiest men I know today. Every time he uses his second hand, he
remembers the miracle that occurred. And every single day, when he attaches his
second hand to his arm, he remains thankful for the life he was given. He does not become frustrated when his second
hand does not do what he wants it to do. He does not feel anger when he
remembers all of the things he used to be able to do when he possessed an
ordinary hand. He views his second hand as a gift. His second hand is a
miracle.
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ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this piece of writing because it made me question my own gratitude. After reading this, I will try not to complain as much. Also, I will appreciate what I have and what I can do in life. For example, if I feel discomfort while running, I will ignore it, appreciating that I have two legs and the ability to run. Also, I will try to reduce my complaining about hand pain after in-class writings, and feel grateful for my two hands.
ReplyDeleteBecky, I am so glad you decided to write about this. He inspires me everyday and reminds me that I should not take my health for granted. I agree with Claire completely and believe that complaining will not get me anywhere in life. It is not everyday that we are given a second shot at life; but, when we are given another chance, we need to remember why we have been chosen to try again.
ReplyDeleteWell done Becky. Every so often, this unfair, yet inspiring story runs through my mind. Unfortunately, it is easy to forget how quickly our lives can change. That may sound cliche, but your blog reminds us that miracles happen every day - even if we don't notice them.
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