Thursday, November 20

Live your life...because STUFF HAPPENS!

What happened to my brother late Tuesday night, is exactly why I'm convinced that one should live life the best way one knows how and if that means rejecting how others want you to live your life, so be it. I'm not talking about unethical, immoral and obviously bad Karma living that hurts others (I guess everyone has to have their own way of measuring this). I'm not talking about those things that we'd probably all agree are anti-social, anti-human rights, etc. I'm thinking more like, riding a motorcycle, hang gliding, ultra-marathoning, becoming a weight lifting master--pretty mundane stuff--according to how I measure things.

My brother, Michael, coming home from a painting job Tuesday night was walking down an alley and someone driving at Indy 500 speeds blasted into that alley and this "person" hit him and dragged him a great distance. He is seriously injured, suffering from a crushed pelvis; broken legs; one broken arm?; kidney damage; head and brain trauma; one ripped off ear; bottom lip is tacked on and actually looks like one if you stretch your imagination; two collapsed lungs and some other internal damage that remains rather vague. The doctors do not expect him to survive. But he made it through Wednesday night after suffering one "crash" and internal bleeding that hasn't been stopped but is now leaking only slowly. Last night two ministers visited his bedside. Machines now keep him alive
What does this have to do with motorcycling? A lot! Just as I hopefully made clear in my response to the $65,000 question, we never know if and when our lives can be changed forever--even ended by some unanticipated event. In a flash, our lives can take turns that come seemingly out of thin air. One day you're fine, the next you're dependent on mechanical devices, "living" moment to moment.

Risk is ubiquitous. There is no way to avoid it. Not too long ago a couple sleeping in their house died when it blew up--some sort of explosion from a faulty furnace--carbon monoxide is another silent killer that wrecks horror on hundreds each year.
Stuff happens. All the time. And, that's why I think we should walk through life fully but gently, doing our best not to harm others but keeping a good balance by not shortchanging what brings us joy. Life is short. Treat yours and others special so that when it is your time, you've made this world and the people you know in it, better.

10 comments:

D. Brent Miller said...

Sharon, our prayers go out to Michael, and to you and family. One never knows what the future holds, so live life fully with no regrets.

Brent and Lin Miller

Fleeter said...

Sharon, I am so sorry to hear this. I feel for you at this time. An excellent lesson you've shared from this experience. Anything I can do . . . just call.
Claye

Unknown said...

I have no words that express my feelings. Your on the other hand, reaches into our souls and we are not the same. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.

Jeffry

Jack Riepe said...

Dear Sharon:

There for the grace of God go you or I... I was shocked and saddened to read of your brother's accident. There is no accounting for the stupidity and brutal behavior of others.

There is nothing anybody can say that makes a difference in times like these. There are no answers. But there is the power of friendship. My thoughts are with you, your family and Michael.

Michael sounds tough and it appears he's fighting hard now. Please let me know if there is anything I can do.

Fondest regards,
Jack Riepe

Heinz N Frenchie said...

We are so sorry to hear about your brother, Michael. It is admirable the way you are able to express to us a much needed lesson in life while grieving over Michael's condition. He would love you for it and we so appreciate it. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult period.

Sojourner's Moto Tales said...

My dear friends Brent and Lin,

Thank you.

Sojourner's Moto Tales said...

Fleeter, I know I can depend on you and Sylvia always. Thanks.

Sojourner's Moto Tales said...

Jeffry, you have expressed your feelings and I truly appreciate that. Thanks.

Sojourner's Moto Tales said...

Jack, you've already done something valuabe to me...you've reached out. Thank you.

Sojourner's Moto Tales said...

Heinz N Frenchie,

Your words and the time you took to express them mean much to me. To both of you--my thanks!