What images do the names Katrina, Rita, Gustav, Hannah and Ike conjure up in your mind? These names roll as easily and naturally off our lips as do the names of personal friends. These names, however, represent death and destruction. They are the names of recent Hurricanes.
Hurricane reports are becoming a staple item on the evening news. In a weird way, we come to know these works of nature on a personal level. It is my pleasure to introduce you to "Hurricane Ike."
I give particular attention to any mention of storms that are brewing in the Atlantic. I serve as a Chaplain with the North Carolina Disaster Medical Assistance Team (NC-1 DMAT). DMAT is a group of professional medical personnel (supported by a cadre of logistical and administrative staff) designed to provide medical care during a disaster or other event.
As part of the National Disaster Medical System, DMATs are designed to be a rapid-response element to supplement local medical care until other Federal or contract resources can be mobilized.. DMATs deploy to disaster sites with sufficient supplies and equipment to sustain themselves for a period of 72 hours while providing medical care at a fixed or temporary medical care site. The personnel are activated for a period of two weeks.
On Friday, September 5, I received orders directing me to report to the Piedmont Triad International Airport for an early afternoon flight to Tallahassee, Florida. Upon arrival in Florida, I would join other team members who were prepared to respond to any needs created by Hurricane Ike.
My every move was orchestrated as I moved swiftly to the cadence of the proverbial ‘ticking clock’ that allowed me just four hours to finish packing, make some last minute phone calls, send a few emails, say ‘Good-bye’ to my children, pet the dog and kiss my wife. Somehow, it all came together and I bolted through the airport to catch my flight.
I arrived in Tallahassee at the appointed time and met up with other team members. The ‘hurry-up and wait’ plan was now activated. It is important for DMAT’s to be in place so to have a shorter response time when the storm hits. All who are part of the system are aware of this and are accustomed to the waiting.
With great interest, we charted the path of Hurricane Ike and hung onto every prediction of his next location. In the meantime, we wait. Team members learn to deal with opposing inner thoughts. Individuals join the team to offer assistance in times of disaster, yet at the same time, there resides some hope that the storm will somehow disappear and everyone will live happily ever after. Excitement, guilt, disappointment, fear, and bravado are all vying for expression.
Hurricane Ike taunted the Florida coastline and brushed by the Keys with little effect. As Ike continued to travel west, he took a devastating swing across the Dominican Republic and turned in the direction of Texas. Thinking that our mission in Florida had ended and that we would be demobilized and return home, we were surprised to learn that we would be flown to Dallas, Texas to await Ike’s predicted landfall in Galveston.
Off to Dallas we flew. We were joined there by hundreds of other NDMS personnel who were anxiously awaiting the arrival of Ike. Ike’s fury began to pound the coast of Texas and the adrenaline began to pump among the responders who had come to help. Just twelve hours after Ike make landfall, teams were deployed to various spots in southeast Texas.
Our team was sent to Beaumont, Texas and then on to Houston Texas. Houston had sustained storm damage and was also a major site prepared for hosting evacuees. Our mission was to set up a field hospital on the campus of Rice University. The abundance of evacuees flowing into Houston coupled with local medical emergencies overloaded the local hospitals.
For nearly a week, we plied the trade for which we had prepared. Doctors, nurses and medics worked to treat men, women and children who were brought by ambulance to our location. While most injuries that we saw were minor, there was the ever-present psychological trauma that accompanies such an event. Most of the patients were treated and released and others were transported to local hospitals for continued care.
It was an honor to serve with the men and women of the NC-1 DMAT. These professionals unselfishly leave the safety of their homes, step away from their jobs and more significantly, take leave of their families to serve others.
The next time you catch wind of a storm building in the Atlantic Ocean or Gulf of Mexico, you can be assured that there are folks from our area who are making preparations to respond and offer care.
This article first appeared in Forsyth Family Magazine.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
Headed South...Again
On Sunday, September 14 we headed south towards Beaumont, Texas. Our destination would be Ford Park. Ford Park is a huge complex that housed a convention center, fairgrounds, an outdoor theater, and a number of athletic fields. The entire complex was leased by FEMA and the US Forestry Service and would be the base of operations and staging area for the Federal response to Hurricane Ike.
Our team was one of the first groups to arrive. The power to Ford Park had not yet been restored and wind and water damage was visible. Generators powered parts of the facility and we were offered the floor in the lobby area as our accommodations for the evening. The 'hum' of a nearby generator lulled us to sleep as the emergency litters that we used as beds were a little less than comfortable.
We arose early the next morning to find that the Salvation Army Mobile kitchens had arrived and would be our food providers while there. My respect and appreciation for the Salvation Army soared. They were there before any other agency and the attitudes of those cooking and serving the food were inviting and most willing to serve all who stood in the long lines to get a meal.
There was more waiting as our command team assessed the needs in the general area and made missional decisions. One day passed and we learned that another night at Ford Park would be on our agenda. The activity at the staging area was beginning to increase. Hundreds of 18-wheelers began to arrive carrying supplies that would soon bring relief to the people who now fit into the category of 'homeless.' A variety of medical, security, and military units flowed into the staging area throughout the day.
Our accommodations were upgraded for our second night. We were allowed to sleep in the Exhibition Hall. Still sleeping on medical litters, we did have the opportunity to shower in some locker rooms tucked beneath the indoor arena. Because there were thousands of people at the staging area and the showers could never accommodate everyone, we were secretly led into the catacombs to enjoy our first shower in three days.
We were informed shortly after noon on our second day that we would be moving to Houston, Texas. More specifically, our mission would be to set up a hospital on the campus of Rice University. Houston had welcomed thousands of evacuees from the more southern areas of Texas and the local hospitals were experiencing tremendous overloads of people coming into their Emergency Departments. Our presence would alleviate some of the patient loads at the hospitals. Ambulances would deliver those needing medical care to our facility. Other ambulances were standing by at our location to transport the patients who needed more extensive care to local hospitals for admittance.
In my next installment I'll share some experiences while serving those who visited our clinic.
Our team was one of the first groups to arrive. The power to Ford Park had not yet been restored and wind and water damage was visible. Generators powered parts of the facility and we were offered the floor in the lobby area as our accommodations for the evening. The 'hum' of a nearby generator lulled us to sleep as the emergency litters that we used as beds were a little less than comfortable.
We arose early the next morning to find that the Salvation Army Mobile kitchens had arrived and would be our food providers while there. My respect and appreciation for the Salvation Army soared. They were there before any other agency and the attitudes of those cooking and serving the food were inviting and most willing to serve all who stood in the long lines to get a meal.
There was more waiting as our command team assessed the needs in the general area and made missional decisions. One day passed and we learned that another night at Ford Park would be on our agenda. The activity at the staging area was beginning to increase. Hundreds of 18-wheelers began to arrive carrying supplies that would soon bring relief to the people who now fit into the category of 'homeless.' A variety of medical, security, and military units flowed into the staging area throughout the day.
Our accommodations were upgraded for our second night. We were allowed to sleep in the Exhibition Hall. Still sleeping on medical litters, we did have the opportunity to shower in some locker rooms tucked beneath the indoor arena. Because there were thousands of people at the staging area and the showers could never accommodate everyone, we were secretly led into the catacombs to enjoy our first shower in three days.
We were informed shortly after noon on our second day that we would be moving to Houston, Texas. More specifically, our mission would be to set up a hospital on the campus of Rice University. Houston had welcomed thousands of evacuees from the more southern areas of Texas and the local hospitals were experiencing tremendous overloads of people coming into their Emergency Departments. Our presence would alleviate some of the patient loads at the hospitals. Ambulances would deliver those needing medical care to our facility. Other ambulances were standing by at our location to transport the patients who needed more extensive care to local hospitals for admittance.
In my next installment I'll share some experiences while serving those who visited our clinic.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
From Dallas to Palistine to Beaumont to...
Following two weeks of touring the Southeastern United States, I finally made it home. Because we did not have internet access, I am now sorting through my scribbled notes so to share with you our mission.
Hurricane Ike made landfall in Galveston, Texas at 1:30am on September 13. We departed Dallas, Texas on Saturday headed toward Beaumont, Tx. Shortly after our departure we were rerouted to Lufkin , Tx. as Hurricane Ike was making his way through Beaumont at that time. The travel coach (bus) in which we were riding was being tossed to and fro by the outer bands of Ike. We stopped at a wide place in the road, a place that we would come to know as Palistine, Tx. a place of rest and hospitality.
Because the weather was not conducive to traveling, our logistics man found us a shelter in which we could spend the night. The shelter was closing because no one had come there seeking shelter from the storm. Had local residents known what we discovered upon our arrival there, they would have gone just for the experience of local hospitality. The shelter was housed in Trinity Church. Upon our arrival, we were greeted with a pot of homemade vegetable soup and a group of folks with hearts as big as Texas itself. We realized quite quickly that God does 'rescue the perishing' and shelters His people from the storms. (Next time you are in Palestine, Texas, be sure to stop by and speak to Pastor David Haines and tell him that I recommend the vegetable soup.)
After a night of camping in their worship center, we were awakened to the aroma of bacon, eggs, oatmeal and freshly brewed coffee. We enjoyed the meal and anxiously awaited 'the call' that would send us on our way to employ our trade of caring for others. We held a communion service for those team members who chose to participate and waited. Did I mention that we waited some more. By this time, Trinity Church was warming up for their weekly worship service. Since we were not busy, and had no place to go as of yet and we were......waiting, a dozen of us attended worship at Trinity. How ironic that this band of Christians in East Texas fed our bodies and our souls too.
After church, we participated in our daily ritual of eating. The only thing that was set in stone each day was that we would eat at least three times. Following lunch we realized that it had been a couple of days since we had showered. A local school was gracious to open up their locker room for those wishing to freshen up a bit. Again, Trinity Church met our needs by providing towels and other personal care items.
Finally, the call came for us to move out. After a detour to an Oasis in East Texas, we were headed to Beaumont, Texas which was getting us nearer to the destruction that Ike left for us.
Stay tuned for our adventures at Ford Park, the staging area for all resources that would bring aid to the victims of Hurricane Ike.
Hurricane Ike made landfall in Galveston, Texas at 1:30am on September 13. We departed Dallas, Texas on Saturday headed toward Beaumont, Tx. Shortly after our departure we were rerouted to Lufkin , Tx. as Hurricane Ike was making his way through Beaumont at that time. The travel coach (bus) in which we were riding was being tossed to and fro by the outer bands of Ike. We stopped at a wide place in the road, a place that we would come to know as Palistine, Tx. a place of rest and hospitality.
Because the weather was not conducive to traveling, our logistics man found us a shelter in which we could spend the night. The shelter was closing because no one had come there seeking shelter from the storm. Had local residents known what we discovered upon our arrival there, they would have gone just for the experience of local hospitality. The shelter was housed in Trinity Church. Upon our arrival, we were greeted with a pot of homemade vegetable soup and a group of folks with hearts as big as Texas itself. We realized quite quickly that God does 'rescue the perishing' and shelters His people from the storms. (Next time you are in Palestine, Texas, be sure to stop by and speak to Pastor David Haines and tell him that I recommend the vegetable soup.)
After a night of camping in their worship center, we were awakened to the aroma of bacon, eggs, oatmeal and freshly brewed coffee. We enjoyed the meal and anxiously awaited 'the call' that would send us on our way to employ our trade of caring for others. We held a communion service for those team members who chose to participate and waited. Did I mention that we waited some more. By this time, Trinity Church was warming up for their weekly worship service. Since we were not busy, and had no place to go as of yet and we were......waiting, a dozen of us attended worship at Trinity. How ironic that this band of Christians in East Texas fed our bodies and our souls too.
After church, we participated in our daily ritual of eating. The only thing that was set in stone each day was that we would eat at least three times. Following lunch we realized that it had been a couple of days since we had showered. A local school was gracious to open up their locker room for those wishing to freshen up a bit. Again, Trinity Church met our needs by providing towels and other personal care items.
Finally, the call came for us to move out. After a detour to an Oasis in East Texas, we were headed to Beaumont, Texas which was getting us nearer to the destruction that Ike left for us.
Stay tuned for our adventures at Ford Park, the staging area for all resources that would bring aid to the victims of Hurricane Ike.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Howdy From Dallas Texas
Hello from Dallas, Texas!
On Tuesday we were moved here via a charter plane. Nearly 200 personnel made the trip. In addition to NDMS team members, there was also a large contingent of Public Health Service personnel.
Time takes on a different meaning when moving large numbers of people. One cannot assume that schedules will be dept by the establishment. The motto, "Hurry up and wait" accurately describes daily life when among the 'herd.' Overall, the organization and implementation of the mass movement of people has worked rather smoothly.
Wednesday was spent getting acclimated to the area and attending our daily update meetings. I have spent a considerable amount of time watching the weather channel, with a greater interest than ever. While we are certain hurricane Ike will make landfall, the exact time and location has not yet been determined. As the hours pass, the predictions become more accurate. At least we hope that is the case. While we await Ike, we're also awaiting orders for our next destination and mission.
Most everyone here is dealing with opposing inner thoughts. Everyone has come here to offer assistance and make use of the training and at the same time there resides some hope that the storm will somehow disappear and everyone will live happily ever after. Excitement, guilt, disappointment, fear, and bravado are all possibilities.
Thursday brought more watching, waiting, and listening. Our daily team meeting and updates were not revealing. A chaplain from Connecticut. and i led a memorial service in remembrance of the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. While a somber spirit prevailed there was also a grateful spirit among the men and women who will carry the torch of serving the public through emergency services.
The storm continues to move toward the Texas coast, it's landing spot and possible damage uncertain, yet amid all of the uncertainties, this one thing is sure: thousands of men and women stand ready to respond and offer care to any who have need.
As for me, I consider it an honor and privilege to be among a great group of professionals who have a heart for serving others as big as Texas.
On Tuesday we were moved here via a charter plane. Nearly 200 personnel made the trip. In addition to NDMS team members, there was also a large contingent of Public Health Service personnel.
Time takes on a different meaning when moving large numbers of people. One cannot assume that schedules will be dept by the establishment. The motto, "Hurry up and wait" accurately describes daily life when among the 'herd.' Overall, the organization and implementation of the mass movement of people has worked rather smoothly.
Wednesday was spent getting acclimated to the area and attending our daily update meetings. I have spent a considerable amount of time watching the weather channel, with a greater interest than ever. While we are certain hurricane Ike will make landfall, the exact time and location has not yet been determined. As the hours pass, the predictions become more accurate. At least we hope that is the case. While we await Ike, we're also awaiting orders for our next destination and mission.
Most everyone here is dealing with opposing inner thoughts. Everyone has come here to offer assistance and make use of the training and at the same time there resides some hope that the storm will somehow disappear and everyone will live happily ever after. Excitement, guilt, disappointment, fear, and bravado are all possibilities.
Thursday brought more watching, waiting, and listening. Our daily team meeting and updates were not revealing. A chaplain from Connecticut. and i led a memorial service in remembrance of the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. While a somber spirit prevailed there was also a grateful spirit among the men and women who will carry the torch of serving the public through emergency services.
The storm continues to move toward the Texas coast, it's landing spot and possible damage uncertain, yet amid all of the uncertainties, this one thing is sure: thousands of men and women stand ready to respond and offer care to any who have need.
As for me, I consider it an honor and privilege to be among a great group of professionals who have a heart for serving others as big as Texas.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Still Waiting on Ike
Our Team continues to stand-by for orders in response to Ike's arrival. As you may recall, Ike was a handful when married to Tina. Sorry, but that just came to mind.
As we wait, we have done some training as a team and have gotten to know one another as we share meals and time together. In addition to our North Carolina team, we have been joined by medical team members from Nevada, Florida, Iowa and Ohio. It's a pretty cool deal as everyone here has the same passion for serving others in a time of hurt and crisis. This is a national response and I'm glad to know that our government has all of these resources in place.
I have discovered opportunities to minister people in a variety of ways. I am convinced that even if we never get into the middle of a great disaster, God has allowed me to do what I do best: take care of people.
We have a team meeting each day and learn about the current situation regarding the storm and any possible movements of teams that may involve us. While we are prepared to render aid, have all the equipment and skills necessary to do so, and wise people making plans; Ike is still in control of our next moves.
Presently, we are waiting to see if Ike plays with the Keys. If there is any damage there, a couple of strike teams (5 person teams consisting of Dr. Nurse, Medics) will be sent in via helicopter to do an assessment. If needs are discovered, our team will likely be flown in via military aircraft to set up a field hospital. Because Texas is in another Region, it is not likely we will respond that far west. However, nothing is discounted until the damage is assessed.
If you feel confused by all of this, then you get a taste of our daily questions to determine where we will go next and what we will do. As I mentioned earlier, Ike is in control. Overall, this is an awesome operation involving thousands of dedicated, well trained professionals who have a heart for helping others in a time of crisis.
Stay tuned.
As we wait, we have done some training as a team and have gotten to know one another as we share meals and time together. In addition to our North Carolina team, we have been joined by medical team members from Nevada, Florida, Iowa and Ohio. It's a pretty cool deal as everyone here has the same passion for serving others in a time of hurt and crisis. This is a national response and I'm glad to know that our government has all of these resources in place.
I have discovered opportunities to minister people in a variety of ways. I am convinced that even if we never get into the middle of a great disaster, God has allowed me to do what I do best: take care of people.
We have a team meeting each day and learn about the current situation regarding the storm and any possible movements of teams that may involve us. While we are prepared to render aid, have all the equipment and skills necessary to do so, and wise people making plans; Ike is still in control of our next moves.
Presently, we are waiting to see if Ike plays with the Keys. If there is any damage there, a couple of strike teams (5 person teams consisting of Dr. Nurse, Medics) will be sent in via helicopter to do an assessment. If needs are discovered, our team will likely be flown in via military aircraft to set up a field hospital. Because Texas is in another Region, it is not likely we will respond that far west. However, nothing is discounted until the damage is assessed.
If you feel confused by all of this, then you get a taste of our daily questions to determine where we will go next and what we will do. As I mentioned earlier, Ike is in control. Overall, this is an awesome operation involving thousands of dedicated, well trained professionals who have a heart for helping others in a time of crisis.
Stay tuned.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Chasing Hurricanes
Waiting on Ike
Our team, NC-1, is comprised of a host of medical professionals, logistical folks, and a chaplain. Our mission is to go into damaged areas and set up a field hospital to provide care for the residents. Team members have day jobs and have a passion for using their skills to help others when natural disasters strike. Because of the pending threat, teams from other states are also staging here waiting for the storm.
On Sunday, I led a worship service in the hotel conference room. This was a great experience. It was a diverse group of Jesus-followers who came from several states across the US. We had a time of sharing, praying and we celebrated the Lord's Supper. I'm grateful to all those who shared their gifts of music, words and presence.
We're waiting. That's what we do, until we have an opportunity to serve.
Friday, July 11, 2008
The Journey
The procession set out on a winding journey through the North Carolina mountains toward a destination that would forever serve as a memorial to a life. As the line of cars passed through the valley, the path was insulated by men, women, boys and girls who stood in silence offering their respect and sensing the sadness of this event. Unknowingly, it was their presence that offered a healing balm to those who passed through the ‘valley of he shadow of death.’
A slight breeze rustled the leaves of the giant oak trees that stood guard over the fresh grave that awaited a young North Carolina State Highway Patrol trooper who had been killed in the line-of-duty. Gathered on a hillside tucked away on the Cherokee Reservation, hundreds of family members, friends, and fellow law enforcement officers from various posts across the United States bid a final farewell to Shaun Blanton.
Words of grace and comfort were pronounced by the pastor as a reminder to everyone within earshot that ‘God is love and continues to be in control.’ He spoke those words of promise for those among the gathering whose heartache would not permit them to speak for themselves.
The sounds of nature were joined with quite sobs of loss and pain as if it were a rehearsed harmony. The faint, yet familiar, tune of ‘Taps’ stirred the souls of the gathered and the ’21-gun-salute,’ though an offering of honor, issued a startle that confirmed the reality of death.
On a pleasant hillside, a young widow left the ‘love of her life’ in the arms of God. She would resume her maternal calling and return to the bedside of her newborn son, who weighing just three pounds, struggled to preserve the life he had known for a mere twenty days. A son, who had arrived in this world too soon, would never experience the depth of his father's love who departed the same world much too soon.
Just maybe, the grace of God that had sustained this wife, this mother, during the days of grief and pain, would be sufficient to enable her to love her baby boy back to health. While may questions remain unanswered, this is sure: God knows the pain that accompanies the journey of life and death. And He cares.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
The Value of One
Not too long ago a major airlines did a study and determined that if they could add just one additional passenger to every flight for one year, they could increase their profits by $114 million . That's amazing. Seems like a reasonable goal. It also highlights the value of a single person.
Too often, the busyness of our world, our high ideals and desire to make great personal achievements, causes us to overlook the individuals around us. Do we value every singe person with whom we have contact? Do we value them for 'who they are' or are we only looking to determine their value based on 'what they can do to promote our cause?'
It requires a significant amount of time and effort to value others. We have to be intentional about listening, and really hearing, what our comrades are saying. To value another person means that we respect them, possibly inspite of our differences of opinion, or goals in life.
I have found that it is not my responsibility to estimate another's value. Becuase they share the same space, breath the same air and have similiar basic needs as I, their value is established. It is my privilege to applaud their value and just maybe, in lauding another, my value will increase.
Too often, the busyness of our world, our high ideals and desire to make great personal achievements, causes us to overlook the individuals around us. Do we value every singe person with whom we have contact? Do we value them for 'who they are' or are we only looking to determine their value based on 'what they can do to promote our cause?'
It requires a significant amount of time and effort to value others. We have to be intentional about listening, and really hearing, what our comrades are saying. To value another person means that we respect them, possibly inspite of our differences of opinion, or goals in life.
I have found that it is not my responsibility to estimate another's value. Becuase they share the same space, breath the same air and have similiar basic needs as I, their value is established. It is my privilege to applaud their value and just maybe, in lauding another, my value will increase.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Your Choice
My thanks to Julie for sharing this story with me.
John is the kind of guy you love to hate. He is always in a good mood and always has something positive to say. When someone would ask him how he was doing, he would reply, "If I were any better, I would be twins!"
He was a natural motivator.
If an employee was having a bad day, John was there telling the employee how to look on the positive side of the situation.
Seeing this style really made me curious, so one day I went up and asked him, "I don't get it!
You can't be a positive person all of the time. How do you do it?"
He replied, "Each morning I wake up and say to myself, you have two choices today. You can choose to be in a good mood or ... you can choose to be in a bad mood
I choose to be in a good mood."
Each time something bad happens, I can choose to be a victim or...I can choose to learn from it. I choose to learn from it.
Every time someone comes to me complaining, I can choose to accept their complaining or... I can point out the positive side of life. I choose the positive side of life.
"Yeah, right, it's not that easy," I protested.
"Yes, it is," he said. "Life is all about choices. When you cut away all the junk, every situation is a choice. You choose how you react to situations. You choose how people affect your mood.
You choose to be in a good mood or bad mood. The bottom line: It's your choice how you live your life."
I reflected on what he said. Soon hereafter, I left the Tower Industry to start my own business. We lost touch, but I often thought about him when I made a choice about life instead of reacting to it.
Several years later, I heard that he was involved in a serious accident, falling some 60 feet from a communications tower.
After 18 hours of surgery and weeks of intensive care, he was released from the hospital with rods placed in his back.
I saw him about six months after the accident.
When I asked him how he was, he replied, "If I were any better, I'd be twins...Wanna see my scars?"
I declined to see his wounds, but I did ask him what had gone through his mind as the accident took place.
"The first thing that went through my mind was the well-being of my soon-to-be born daughter," he replied. "Then, as I lay on the ground, I remembered that I had two choices: I could choose to live or...I could choose to die. I chose to live."
"Weren't you scared? Did you lose consciousness?" I asked
He continued, " ..the paramedics were great.
They kept telling me I was going to be fine. But when they wheeled me into the ER and I saw the expressions on the faces of the doctors and nurses, I got really scared. In their eyes, I read 'he's a dead man'. I knew I needed to take action."
"What did you do?" I asked.
"Well, there was a big burly nurse shouting questions at me," said John. "She asked if I was allergic to anything 'Yes, I replied.' The doctors and nurses stopped working as they waited for my reply. I took a deep breath and yelled, 'Gravity'."
Over their laughter, I told them, "I am choosing to live. Operate on me as if I am alive, not dead."
He lived, thanks to the skill of his doctors, but also because of his amazing attitude... I learned from him that every day we have the choice to live fully.
Attitude, after all, is everything .
After all, today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday.
John is the kind of guy you love to hate. He is always in a good mood and always has something positive to say. When someone would ask him how he was doing, he would reply, "If I were any better, I would be twins!"
He was a natural motivator.
If an employee was having a bad day, John was there telling the employee how to look on the positive side of the situation.
Seeing this style really made me curious, so one day I went up and asked him, "I don't get it!
You can't be a positive person all of the time. How do you do it?"
He replied, "Each morning I wake up and say to myself, you have two choices today. You can choose to be in a good mood or ... you can choose to be in a bad mood
I choose to be in a good mood."
Each time something bad happens, I can choose to be a victim or...I can choose to learn from it. I choose to learn from it.
Every time someone comes to me complaining, I can choose to accept their complaining or... I can point out the positive side of life. I choose the positive side of life.
"Yeah, right, it's not that easy," I protested.
"Yes, it is," he said. "Life is all about choices. When you cut away all the junk, every situation is a choice. You choose how you react to situations. You choose how people affect your mood.
You choose to be in a good mood or bad mood. The bottom line: It's your choice how you live your life."
I reflected on what he said. Soon hereafter, I left the Tower Industry to start my own business. We lost touch, but I often thought about him when I made a choice about life instead of reacting to it.
Several years later, I heard that he was involved in a serious accident, falling some 60 feet from a communications tower.
After 18 hours of surgery and weeks of intensive care, he was released from the hospital with rods placed in his back.
I saw him about six months after the accident.
When I asked him how he was, he replied, "If I were any better, I'd be twins...Wanna see my scars?"
I declined to see his wounds, but I did ask him what had gone through his mind as the accident took place.
"The first thing that went through my mind was the well-being of my soon-to-be born daughter," he replied. "Then, as I lay on the ground, I remembered that I had two choices: I could choose to live or...I could choose to die. I chose to live."
"Weren't you scared? Did you lose consciousness?" I asked
He continued, " ..the paramedics were great.
They kept telling me I was going to be fine. But when they wheeled me into the ER and I saw the expressions on the faces of the doctors and nurses, I got really scared. In their eyes, I read 'he's a dead man'. I knew I needed to take action."
"What did you do?" I asked.
"Well, there was a big burly nurse shouting questions at me," said John. "She asked if I was allergic to anything 'Yes, I replied.' The doctors and nurses stopped working as they waited for my reply. I took a deep breath and yelled, 'Gravity'."
Over their laughter, I told them, "I am choosing to live. Operate on me as if I am alive, not dead."
He lived, thanks to the skill of his doctors, but also because of his amazing attitude... I learned from him that every day we have the choice to live fully.
Attitude, after all, is everything .
After all, today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
The Gift of Tying a Shoe
Each Wednesday I have the opportunity to spend 30 minutes reading and interacting with a kindergarten class. I may be only person who has spent 9 years in Kindergarten. Each visit grants me a number of blessings. While I am treated as the special guest each week, it is I who often leave with the blessing.
Today I had the privilege of tying a little girl's shoe. She doesn't know how and most probably didn't even notice that it was untied. With a hint of pride, she willingly extended her foot in my direction. As I finished the bow, a double knot to prevent a quick unraveling, I realized that she had given me an opportunity to serve her. And I was grateful.
How often do we miss opportunities, sometimes seemingly insignificant, to simply serve another human being? No doubt that we have been the recipient of others kind deeds. Do we take them for granted or do we seek out opportunities to return the favor?
Thanks, Rochelle, for blessing me with the opportunity to serve you.
Today I had the privilege of tying a little girl's shoe. She doesn't know how and most probably didn't even notice that it was untied. With a hint of pride, she willingly extended her foot in my direction. As I finished the bow, a double knot to prevent a quick unraveling, I realized that she had given me an opportunity to serve her. And I was grateful.
How often do we miss opportunities, sometimes seemingly insignificant, to simply serve another human being? No doubt that we have been the recipient of others kind deeds. Do we take them for granted or do we seek out opportunities to return the favor?
Thanks, Rochelle, for blessing me with the opportunity to serve you.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Light at the end of the Tunnel
On a recent family outing to Grandfather Mountain, Angela snapped this photo. It serves as a reminder that no matter our current situation, if we look up, we will see 'light.'
Sometimes, if the situation is dreadful, it may be necessary for those around us to remind us of the light that continues to shine.
Friday, February 8, 2008
Nuns and the Circus
I was directed to an article in a local paper yesterday about a couple of nuns who travel with the Ringling Brothers Circus. At first I thought he might be kidding, as he often does, but to my pleasure I read the article for myself.
This article is interesting and informative. These ladies portray the essence of 'ministry.' They are servants in the grandest style. They 'take care' of those who entertain audiences around the globe. They will never find themselves in the spotlight in the center ring. They will not likely hang from the trapese nor balance on the tightrope. They will, however, remain backstage, take care of children, replace lost buttons on costumes and utter silent prayers as the performers take their places in the arena and receive cheers and applause for stunning feats and dazzling beauty.
These nuns have found their spot for ministry. And they love it.
Read the article:
http://www.news-record.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080207/NRSTAFF/476605529/-1/NEWSRECRSSARKIVE
This article is interesting and informative. These ladies portray the essence of 'ministry.' They are servants in the grandest style. They 'take care' of those who entertain audiences around the globe. They will never find themselves in the spotlight in the center ring. They will not likely hang from the trapese nor balance on the tightrope. They will, however, remain backstage, take care of children, replace lost buttons on costumes and utter silent prayers as the performers take their places in the arena and receive cheers and applause for stunning feats and dazzling beauty.
These nuns have found their spot for ministry. And they love it.
Read the article:
http://www.news-record.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080207/NRSTAFF/476605529/-1/NEWSRECRSSARKIVE
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