Friday, November 04, 2011

A Man Who’s An Inspiration

Today, I would like to share a story about a man who I don’t know personally, but often see in the store at which I work.

As I’ve shared in many of my posts, I am extremely sensitive to peoples energy and can usually feel it within the first few minutes of seeing or meeting them.

I can still remember the very first time I saw this particular man, riding through the cosmetic department in his wheelchair.

There was a tremendous sense of confidence in his energy. And not a cocky confidence, but rather a quiet and powerful confidence that simply said, “I’m perfectly comfortable with myself.”

He also exuded a sense of genuine happiness and deep inner peace.

Whenever I saw him, he was always smiling.

I took him to be in his mid-30’s. Handsome and well-dressed.

But it was more than just what he looked like, that caught your attention.

It was his whole persona.

He had a light about him.

Allow me to interject here, that I have always had a tender spot in my heart for those who are physically challenged. And not because I feel sorry for them, but rather because I have great admiration and respect.

It’s tough enough in this world to make it through with all our physical faculties intact. But, it’s even more tough to go through this world being physically challenged.

Throughout these past few years, I’ve seen this gentleman in the store during his lunch hour, sometimes purchasing a fragrance in the men’s department. And every single time I see him, I can’t help but feel that he is a very special human being. As if he’s a wise and enlightened soul, with something very important to teach the rest of us.

One day last week, I saw him ride through the department and head over to one of the cosmetic counters across the isle from where I was standing.

I watched, as one of the ladies (who I know fairly well), greeted him with a big smile.

And I was somewhat surprised because I had no idea that she even knew him.

He handed her a white plastic bag. And has she reached in and took out the contents, I could see that it was a box of pastries.

I heard her say thank you, and then gave him a hug.

The whole time I was observing this interaction between the two of them, I found myself feeling very emotional.

After he left, I walked over and asked her who he was and how she knew him.

Apparently, she and he have known each other for many years because they grew up in the same neighborhood.

I asked if she wouldn’t mind confiding in me why he was in the wheelchair.

And she did.

She told me his name is Frankie. And that when he was in his early 20's, he was driving a motorcycle and got hit by a car; leaving him paralyzed from the chest down.

She also told me that he was the most incredible person she had ever known, because after he found out that he was paralyzed, he accepted it with such amazing grace.

He never had the attitude, “Why me?”

He just embraced this challenge, and proceeded with his life.

He went to college, got a degree, and ended up landing an incredible job.

He also creates videos, which are targeted for other people who are physically challenged. The videos are tutorials on things like: how to adjust to using a wheelchair, how to get in and out of bed, how to shower and groom yourself, and how to live a normal and full life being paralyzed.

After she told me this, my eyes welled up with tears because my feelings had been correct….he was special.

Here was a man, who took what most people would perceive as a negative, and turned it into a positive.

Here was a man, who at such a young age could have spent the rest of his life being bitter. But instead, spends his life helping others.

Here was a man, who instead of frowning, carries a smile on his face.

And here was a man….who is an inspiration to us ALL.

There is no such thing as limitation.

It’s all in how we embrace it.

Thank you, Frankie. You're my hero.

And when I grow up.....I wanna be just like you!

Wishing you an inspiring weekend everyone!

X