“Those who have a ‘why’ to live, can bear with almost any ‘how’.” This is one of the really inspiring quotes from Viktor Frankl. He survived three concentration camps including Auschwitz – he has the right to say it. I think he is right.
We had a lovely weekend as a family, friends have been so helpful and I keep realizing as time goes by that I am truly grateful for life – the past, present and future.
I am not whitewashing things – it is not what I want or wanted and I would be a fool to say different but I have many many reasons to be happy and I am in fact very grateful.
I have given a lot of thought to Faith. Religion is something I embraced out of choice at 11 and have always believed. Over time this has in many ways matured from a pretty intolerant, self-centered and black and white view of the world to a much more compassionate, sensitive, accepting and one of respecting diversity of differences as the Late Rabbi Sacks said.
As I look at my life so far, with more to come, I realize it is blessed and I am in a position where I see the huge opportunities I have been given despite the pain, tough times, setbacks and new diagnosis.
All said… I have an awesome family and friends, have had a very enjoyable career in which I have been able to practice my faith and not compromise my integrity and I have had the chance to live and raise a family in a beautiful community in Israel… On the less spiritual side I also have had the chance to travel, drive a Ferrari, go to a World Cup and a few other lovely things besides and tomorrow looks like being a great F1 Grand Prix (joking…ish).
Now as I look towards a future that is probably not the most favourable ‘How’ I do so knowing it will be tough for myself and my family but I do so armed with a view that I am truly grateful for the blessings I have had, have today, will have and will at some point hopefully in a long time, leave behind. My faith is re-energized and amongst the pain and suffering to come I hope for many bright spots too.
As I have said before I wouldn’t swap my life with anyone else’s…period…
I ask for continuing prayers and your support – it is helping. My friends and family are rock stars.
I will have many bumps but I begin the week with a sense of real satisfaction, energy and gratitude. I need to fight PSP, be careful to avoid falls and choking, keep fit, keep positive and not be too hard hit and set back by the inevitable downs/pains and setbacks. I must not allow the stats to become a self-fulfilling prophecy.
I have also had a lot of interest in the awareness and fundraising campaign I posted about last week. I hope to move it forward significantly this week so keep posted. It’s been encouraging to see how many people care about this cause, and I’m excited to see where it takes us.
Have a good week all!
