A Bit of Perspective
I recently conducted a No Excuse! training presentation for an environmental engineering company in New Orleans, LA. The itinerary for my return trip home to Albany, NY included a connecting layover in Charlotte, NC. Upon waiting in the gate area preparing to board for the final flight to Albany, I noticed a young lady who was missing the bottom half of both her legs, and was on prosthetic limbs. Suprisingly, she appeared to be quite comfortable and agile with them. My first thought was that this accident might have occurred, if it was an accident, serving our country as a member of our military forces. I was tempted to approach her and subsequently ask that question, but I refrained, sensing it might make her feel uncomfortable, and that I might be incorrect in my assumption.
Landing in Albany, and arriving at the baggage claim, I once again noticed this young woman. It appeared that she had been met by her parents and they were welcoming her home. At this point I could not help my desire to know, and of course, I am not one to be bashful. Moments later I was introducing myself to her and her parents, and asked my question. She responded that this accident did occur in the service of our nation. She informed me that she was in a convoy south of Baghdad when an improvised explosive device (IED) exploded next to her vehicle resulting in the partial loss of both her limbs. As I stood there listening, I was attentive to the fact of how gracious, positive, and absolutely comfortable she was in sharing her story with me. In turn, I thanked her for her service to our nation, and proceeded to give her a big hug. She responded, "You're Welcome", and I then proceeded to the exit to return to my car, and eventually drive back home to Saratoga Springs. Upon walking through the exit doors, I remembered asking myself, "What did I wake up and whine about today?"
Over the many years of experiencing humbling encounters such as this one, I have learned to become more and more appreciative of the little things in life. I have even learned to appreciate the bottles of water I recieve before I speak; knowing that there are thousands of women in the Sudan just attempting to find some clean water to provide to their children so they will not die in a few days. Again, I am going to wake up and whine about what?
Know that each day is a gift, friends and family should not be taken for granted, life is not what you are given but how you handle it; and you make a living by what you get, you make a life by what you give. My thoughts, prayers and best wishes go out to Amanda, and the many like her, for their sacrifice, service and dedication to our nation.
03.09.2008
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