Why Me? It's a question we all have asked at some point in time. Wondering why certain things have happened to you that you feel should not have. December 21, 2020 is a date I will never forget. I could not forget it if I wanted to. You see, December 21, 1977 is my "Born on Date."
Why would I consider forgetting December 21, 2020 you ask? Well let me tell you. On that date, I decided to ride my bicycle for 50 miles, or a half century in cycling lingo, to celebrate my birthday. Cycling was a hobby I fell in love with months before and riding 50 miles was a milestone I set for myself. Thanks to a group of friends I regularly rode with, I felt that I had built the endurance and skill necessary to complete my goal. So off I went. Excited and ready to tell my buddies about my new accomplishment once I returned home.
Little did I know that when I left the house that morning, my life would change forever. While on my journey, I was struck by a vehicle and knocked unconscious. I sustained multiple injuries, but the injuries that were most life changing occurred to my lower leg and foot. These injuries resulted in the amputation of one of my legs. Definitely not the birthday present I was looking for.
Initially I had a pretty positive attitude about the whole ordeal. But that infamous question found its' way into my head. Why Me? You see my body has experienced more trauma than any one person should have to endure. As an infant, cancer was found in my left eye and my eye had to be removed to save my life. Why Me? As a result of the chemotherapy and radiation treatment I received for the cancer found in my left eye, I'm not able to have children. Why Me? A rare form of cancer was found in my bladder and a portion of my bladder had to be surgically removed. Why Me? I suffered from a torn ACL which required surgery to be replaced. Why Me? I endured pain in my neck due to a pinched nerve. Another surgery was the solution. Why Me? I got diagnosed with an overactive parathyroid. Yet Another Surgery!!! Why Me? Then after all of that, I'm out cycling. Trying to stay healthy and take care of my body and BAM! I became the victim of a hit and run which required MULTIPLE surgeries.
At this point I'm saying, Lord. How much of this can my body take. Why Me Lord? Why Me? For the past two or three weeks, this question has just been ringing in my head. Why Me? Then as only the Lord could orchestrate, a very wise woman visited our home. There were several people present, and we had some very interesting conversations. Before she left, she asked if it was alright for her to pray for me. I agreed. Her prayer was awesome. It gave comfort to my soul. But it was a nugget of wisdom she shared with me that gave me peace of mind. She said to me, "We like to ask the question, Why Me? But the question should be, Why Not Me? Bad things happen to people all the time. What makes you or me exempt."
She went on to make the point that we should use the knowledge gained from our trials and tribulations to help others that may experience the same thing. She reminded me of my grandmother who believed firmly in Thessalonians 5:18. It says, "In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." She would always emphasize the part that says, "In EVERYthing."
So, I thank God for this experience. And I keep the faith that something great will come from this. It gets hard sometimes but I think about all the blessings that have occurred since the accident and all the wonderful people that I've met and reconnected with. It does my soul good and I'm able to Persevere one more day.
Until Next Time...
P.U.S.H. Because No One Fights Alone. #WrightStrong
