If I have seen you in the past week, talked to you, texted you or if you have seen Tweets or Facebook posts from me, you are probably aware I was in a serious car accident, where I was hit by a drunk driver who ran a red light at an intersection. Without spending too much time on it, I had to be taken to the hospital, and my vehicle ended up being a total loss. Fortunately, I was discharged into the care of some fantastic friends after a long night, and considering how these situations often turn out, I was beyond fortunate to walk away with only a concussion, a badly sprained wrist and an assortment of bruises, scrapes and aches.
Re-hashing this situation is not why I am writing though. A couple years ago, something like this would have sent me into one of the most bitter and angry funks you could imagine. Just thinking about how I would have handled it makes me cringe. I like to think I have matured a lot in the past couple years though, and I would also like to think I've taken a pretty positive perspective on the situation. I know what happened isn't fair, and it has already been a great burden, both personally and financially. But at the end of the day, material possessions are only things, and things can be replaced. And money isn't anything but means to replace those things. Of course, most of what we do is in the pursuit of having the financial security to provide ourselves with the things we want. But none of those things are what matter most.
First and foremost, I am alive, able-bodied and happy. Any day you are able to say that is a good day, and that should never be forgotten or taken lightly. You could say I am blessed, you could say I am lucky, or you could say I'm simply Way Too Raw to let a couple tons of fast-moving metal knock me off my swag. If you'll allow me to, I'll go with all three (with particular emphasis on the last, of course). And while that is the most important thing of all, it also is not why I am writing.
The real reason I have written tonight is because of the impact all of you, my friends and family, have had on me this week. I have never once thought otherwise, but this week has re-affirmed the fact that, aside from being alive to enjoy them, there is nothing more important than the relationships you have with the people you care about. So, I am writing this as a thank you to all of you.
To everyone of you guys who called me.
Texted me.
Facebooked me.
Tweeted at me.
Said "If you need anything..."'
Drove too far to see me.
Gave me a ride.
Sent me a letter.
Brought me some get-well treats.
Got breakfast, lunch and dinner with me.
Reminisced about good times.
Helped me fill out insurance forms when I couldn't hold a pen.
Helped me sell my beloved car for parts.
Helped me lift something, open something, find something or remember something.
Gave me a hug.
Gave me a pat on the back.
Sent a positive thought my way.
Told me how happy you are that I'm still around.
Each and every one of these things means more to me than I can say. The outpouring of genuine love during one of the most difficult times in my life is something that will bring me happiness until the day I die. The generosity and compassion I have received has been a gift that I hope everybody is fortunate enough to experience at some point in their life.
I am writing this because I want you to all understand the sincerity with which I mean these words, as well as all the others I have said. Every thank you has carried the weight of a thousand. I have meant everything I said to you all during this week and so much more. Even beyond me, the weight that was lifted off my family, who are too far away in most cases to be able to hop in the car and see me, has been incredible. They know I am in good hands and that has made this process much easier for them. I thank you all for that as well.
There is a saying/theory I came up with a while ago that I adopted as part of my outlook of life that I would like to share:
"In life, regardless of what you want, you will give pieces of yourself, both large and small, to many people and places. But when you're done, hopefully you will have given more than you kept."
This week, I have received many pieces. And those are far more valuable to me than any car or paycheck. I love you all.
cp.
cp.
