The best day, the worse day

When I arrived in the office, I was more productive than I have been for weeks. I was easily able to finish off a number of tasks that had been sitting in my 'in box' for some time, and everything I have been working on had somehow become easy to complete. This was a very happy day indeed. I felt like I could accomplish anything. 

So much so, that I decided to make everyone lunch in the Marketing Eye Sydney office. In the hot sun, I walked a block and became side-tracked by my mentors office. I decided I would pop up and say hello, chew the fat as I do with him when I can, and then head to the supermarket.

I started talking about my nephew and his accident, which he had kindly assisted in putting me in contact with the right people, and I was quietly confident that everything would work out ok. I told him as much, along with factual things that the Doctors had said. I was still hoping for the best. 

Then as I was heading down the lift, I got the call I had been dreading. My sister-in-law was informing me that his leg would be amputated today, and the decision had just been made. My heart missed a beat. Actually more than a beat. My heart started to ache. How can this happen to a 16 year old? Why him? He is pure sunshine - the kindest, most awesome child ever. Why did it have to be him?

I burst out crying as I was walking around the supermarket, not sure what I was buying but talking to my sister-in-law and listening to what she had to say. This is an extremely difficult time for her and my brother, both of whom are amazing parents and role models. We've known each other for nearly 30 years, and a firmly best friends as well as family. She was so strong and trying so hard to explain how the doctors had come to this conclusion. My head wanted to scream "don't let them do it" but what came out of my mouth was "I understand".

You never want to give up hope, but sometimes hope is in the future and what your potential really is. His potential in life is not lost because he has lost part of his leg, and it in fact might work the other way. Perhaps, it will give him the direction, purpose and opportunity to do more, see more and be more - all despite the fact that this accident tragically happened so early in life. 

This child, (I mean young man), is everything any parent would ever want to have in a son. He and his brother have impeccable manners, a bright and sunny outlook, and are simply the kindest kids around. If someone is being picked on at school, these kids are the first to sit beside them and be their friends. They are so loving, caring and thoughtful.

They never want for anything material, even though life has afforded their family that through my brothers hard work. They are just happy with what they have and each other.

His narrative is going to change from this moment forward and we all need to see that as positive. Yes, it's a bummer, but there are others worse off and if it is going to happen to anyone, I know that this young man will turn this negative into a big positive. 

Change is imminent whether we like it or not, but we have to all imagine what is now possible and how much of a mark he can make in the world learning from the lesson that anything can be taken from you in a second, and you need to make the most of life. Every single second counts. 

I'm praying for good news from the operation this afternoon, and seeing him smile when he makes his first steps. Through tragedy, we learn lessons, and we often can see life through a new set of lens. I know I will.