I just finished watching a Super Soul Sunday on the OWN network. Oprah Winfrey was interviewing comedian Tracy Morgan. If you recall, Tracy survived a horrific car crash in 2014. He was in a medically induced coma for 10 days, during which time he said he talked to his deceased father a few times. His dad told him, "I'm just not ready for you yet!". You may not be a believer in the spirit world, but I have had too many instances of things happening where I cannot not believe. After watching the interview with Tracy, I came away with several comments. He seems still baffled by it all but grateful for the life that he still has. He doesn't remember the accident but is certainly well aware of the outcome of it. He said he is not mad at anyone, just very lucky to still be alive. He treasures each day as the gift that it is.
Tracy talked about what a strong woman his wife was and still is during this whole process. How would I act in a situation like this? I'm hoping that I would have the fortitude to see it through to the conclusion. However, this is not about that. This is about the fact that your life can turn on a dime. Tracy said that he was on his way home from a gig and next thing he knew, he was waking up in a hospital. He doesn't remember the accident but became aware three weeks later that it claimed the life of his mentor and long time friend, Jimmy Mack.
I could tell you repeatedly that you are lucky to be alive. Some will get it and others will take it for granted. If one of us were in that situation, how would we react? Tracy said that if it weren't for his wife and small daughter, he doesn't know if he could have ever pulled out of that coma. That is a testament to his marriage and child. Just the positive thought of seeing them both pulled him out of his downward turn.
I hope and pray that I never have to see what I would do in this situation. This got me to thinking that I am stronger than I give myself credit for. I've survived the sudden death of my dad and being the one who found him on the floor. I've survived the diagnosis of my mom with Alzheimer's and the almost ten year battle that she went through before she too passed away. I've gone through more than most people I know and I am still standing and breathing. I'm tapping into this to get me through my next chapter which will include a lot of changes, hard work and several different outcomes. I'm happy to be alive, breathing and be at a crossroads in my life where I can basically choose where I want to live and how I will get there. As I am typing this, I realize that I alone am responsible for my life and what I choose to make of it. Sitting around down in the dumps could be one way to handle it, but I am making the choice to step up and run my life in a matter that not only my parents would be proud of, but one that more importantly I am proud of!
Every day takes lots of energy to get through certain things in my life. I'm blessed to have a great tribe with which I can giggle, get hugs and caring advice. I'm so, so grateful for this. However, in the end, it's me that has to get it done. I can make the choice to step up and come out of certain situations whole, intact and thriving. This summer is all about shifts and learning new skills with which to move forward with these shifts. I look forward to see what the fall of 2016 will hold for me!
"My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style." - Maya Angelou
Until My Next Adventure,
P.A. Walker
Are you ready to say yes to your soul by shifting your perspective to create something extraordinary? I invite you to contact me via email at pwalker2650@gmail.com to discuss how I can help you to make your next chapter better than your last.
Please also follow me on my Facebook Page: The Second Half or via Twitter (Patricia A. Walker@50foraYear).
