I knew exactly what my first post for 2012 was going to be. But I had no idea what I was going to write.
Until I saw Ben Breedlove's story...
Ben was born with a rare heart condition called HCM (Hypertrophic cardio-myapathy) on August 8th 1993. All his life he struggled with this rare and dangerous disease, and all his life he wanted to be normal: to play basketball with his friends...go hiking in the hills...or swim in the deep blue sea. But so special was he, that despite his shortcomings...he lived.
Ben didn't let his condition stop him from enjoying each and every thing life had to offer. He didn't look at the glass half full; he didn't limit his imagination to earthly things, nor did he stop for a second and ask "Why me?" No. Ben Breedlove lived.
I guess now you feel like shit, right? Ya, I did too.
For all those times I complained about the fucking traffic slowing me down, Ben was taking a walk, soaking up the sun.
For all those times I chit and chatted with the stupid sales rep on the phone, Ben was laughing with his friends.
For all those times I moaned about crap when I really didn't have to, Ben Breedlove was fighting for his life.
Yes. I forgot...
I forgot how blessed I am to be healthy.
This amazing, incredible, fantastic man made me realize how the things we take for granted are the most precious of them all.
I might not have money to buy fancy things...
I might not have impressed that agent with my query...
I might not have turned out the way I planned ten years ago...
But I can do more than just exist...
I can do more than hope for a better tomorrow...
I can live.
Ben died on December 25th 2011 due to complications with his heart.
He was 18.
He lived a happy and productive life. And shall forever live...
In our hearts.
16 comments:
I want to thank Ben for changing my life.
I used to get upset for stupid things, but now I think of his life, and I remember to take it easy and just live.
He was a remarkable man who had so much to offer, but I find comfort in the fact that he's in the light he described in his video; that ultra luminosity that just makes you forget everything and smile.
Keep smiling Ben, and thank you for your life. <3
Wow, that really makes you think. It amazes me how some people can be so strong and really understand what it means to live. Most people don't.
Thanks for sharing Ben's story.
WOW, nice tribute. Death is just the next adventure. Of course,it will only be the next, if we make life the first.
Just stopping over from the IWSG, nice to meet you.
I'll be back.
OMGosh, my heart just broke. :( I appreciate you sharing Ben's story. Puts life into perspective.
Make every moment count. Always look forward because Today has never been here before. Lovely post. Nicely said.
Ben is a great example for everyone. They even had his video on the news.
Thanks for sharing Ben's story. Sometimes we need wake up calls like this to put our own lives back into perspective.
Saw this, too, recently. I wish I had an eighth of his bravery. And I felt immediately like an ass, because in the name of UltimoRevision I've been blowing off family things, instead of spending time with people I've been so blessed to have in my life. Thanks for sharing, Frost Lord. (Love the name, btw.)
Yes, I saw this and it touched me deeply. Makes you keep things in their proper perspective, does it not? Great post!
yep, we usually think of health only when it's something wrong with us or when we see someone ill, in most other situations we just take it for granted. And when you don't have health or other problems are so insignificant.
I've had other things close to home remind of Ben's lessons. It's so easy to get our priorities mixed up.
I had never heard of Ben or his story. That video was extraordinary in all of its simplicity, truth and beauty. Wow. And it made me cry. But also didn't leave me without feeling completely inspired. So thank you for sharing and for this reminder to live life well and truly.
Jeanine
PS just stumbled upon your blog and love the name as well!
wayfaringgirl.blogspot.com
Wow, what a strong, brave man he was. Thank you for sharing that powerful video. It broke my heart to read that he recently died. I have a feeling he's touched a lot of lives, even after his death.
I saw this on NBC nightly news. His story was pretty incredible and it's really quite a sad ending. Poor guy.
I disagree with that Michael. I do not think he met a sad end.
Ben has cheated death 3 times! And every time he "died" he went to a place of light where he felt at peace. If anything, he makes me believe, more than ever, that there is a place called heaven.
Ben is in heaven. He is at peace. And he is smiling. ^_^
This video made me so sad, yet the message in it and your post makes me glad I stopped by.
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