You know, I lost my brother ten years ago now. I witnessed the hit and run accident that killed him instantly on his Bucks night two weeks before he was to be married to the mother of his one year old son. I went through severe post traumatic stress which lead to drug abuse and eventually depression. I remember at the lowest point of that time there were days that I was barely functioning. I would just lay in my bedroom and stare out the window paralyzed by hopelessness for entire days. I remember in the midst of that time thinking to myself that if I could just make myself smile then I could pull myself out of this hole. There literally seemed like there was nothing else I could do in my situation. It was the only choice I had the energy or will to make. So, every so often I found the will to decide to smile and each time I did it lifted me that little further out of my state of depression. Somehow that simple action gave me hope I guess... Maybe it was the positive action that took my mind off my predicament. Even if it was just for a moment, I believe that it was that choice that literally saved my life. I believe no matter where you are in life, you always have a choice. It may be as simple as choosing to smile but it's always there for us. It's a divine open hand ready to pull us out of whatever place we find ourselves in.

Post edited by: tglover, at: 2007/04/27 04:57

that is a an incredible story! Thank God you found your smile again! You must be a wonderful person and I am sure your brother would be proud of you. I agree with your comment about choice being a divine open hand...it really is...if you go one way this will happen ...if you choose the other ..that...it is so important that we make choices that bring us lif just as you did.
Christie

Thank-you Christie. I just wanted to share that story because I want to encourage people as you encourage me, to make the right choices in life. I also want people to know that there is always hope. Sometimes it takes for us to be in the low times to reach out and take the hand, but if that's what it takes and we can come out of it stronger and better for it, then it was worth it!

tglover wrote:
Thank-you Christie. I just wanted to share that story because I want to encourage people as you encourage me, to make the right choices in life. I also want people to know that there is always hope. Sometimes it takes for us to be in the low times to reach out and take the hand, but if that's what it takes and we can come out of it stronger and better for it, then it was worth it!

And there you've made another choice Tim, to share what happened to you to help others. I strongly believe that we are to use our experiences in life to help others. And that in itself is also a choice. I've found I've been able to use many things I've experienced to help others and even now, when I find myself going through a difficult time, a part of me that seems separate to what is happening at the time, thinks 'sometime I'll be able to look back at this and help others'.

Spot on, thank-you for you response. We can find a blessing in every situation...sometimes you don't see it till years later but if each day we choose to see the positive side of each situation we will no doubt live very positive lives.

WOW! I just read your story.
I look at you now and only see the depth of your character and your desire to help others. You made an incredible decision to "smile" and I know that I'm extemely grateful that you did. You have also made another decision that is a further inspiration to me....and that is to share your story to help others. You're unbelievably brave and I applaud your courage and committment to help others.