My Own Personal Story, for the benefit of the Community

2015-04-28T16:26:49-04:00

This was originally shared on a Facebook page I admin, however based on feedback I feel like there are many who may benefit from my perspective gained through this experience. This isn't meant to start a discussion on religion, but it may be of help to many of you who are/or have gone through a rough experience.

"There comes a time in everyone's life where you realize you need to change the way you're living. Whether you see it as God, the universe, or just circumstance changing your direction it is rarely a forgettable experience.

Six years ago today I had mine. I'd been home from Iraq a year, and I was pissed off at God, the world, and everything in it. I was living for me and no one else, and nothing else mattered. My personal reckoning came in the form of the dump truck hitting me head on while riding my motorcycle home. I was awake every moment, alert and aware of what was going on around me. I was also aware that I was alive, and that this was my reminder of how important life is....and how wrong I'd been living mine. God's wake up call was real, and I got the point.

Four fractured limbs, a partial lung collapse and over $750,000 of medical care later I walk around with titanium rods in both of my legs and steel plates in both of my arms. The scars sometimes attract questions from curious customers or children. I no longer live life for me. Every day I wake up is a chance for me to do something good in this world, and I'll never forget that until the day I finally die. That accident has shaped the path I've traveled since, and every good thing in my life I can credit to it. Amazing how the worst of events can save your life and make you into the man you should have been all along."

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Apr 28 at 2015 4:36 PM

2015-04-28T16:36:24-04:00

Thank you for sharing this positive story with us. It is a reminder that life is precious and we should all do what we can to make the best of it for ourselves and others.

God bless you. I am happy your survived to tell the story and I know your life will be better for it.

Response by SGT Nia Chiaraluce made Apr 28 at 2015 4:46 PM

2015-04-28T16:46:36-04:00

Your strength is commendable and thank you for sharing all of that. I had a very similar calling and reminder if you will, however my wounds were not physical they were a result of taking a life in Afghanistan. I was left thinking I was forever damned from him and heaven. The only struggle I have today is sharing my light and his vision, the toxic "mad at God" mentality is toxic.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Apr 28 at 2015 4:59 PM

2015-04-28T16:59:01-04:00

CPT Laurie H. I think we have a command post worthy subject here. Respect!

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2015 5:03 PM

2015-04-28T17:03:05-04:00

Wow, anyone want to try to top this? I am glad you survived and that you see a need to better the world.

Good luck on every thing you try.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2015 5:08 PM

2015-04-28T17:08:17-04:00

SSG Private RallyPoint Member , thank you for sharing your story. I'm really glad your outlook changed for the better. I've been a Christian all my life but strayed from it for years until I went to Vietnam and saw what I saw, and did what I did. The only I could think of doing was praying to God. Keep the faith brother.

Response by MSgt James Mullis made Apr 28 at 2015 5:23 PM

2015-04-28T17:23:15-04:00

Louisa May Alcott said that "painful as it may be, a significant emotional event can be the catalyst for choosing a direction that serves us - and those around us - more effectively." Your story helps prove her point. I would add that it is the difficult moments (and how we handle them) that allow us to reach our full potential. Without them we are simply less complete.