I've said for years to my children, friends, loved ones..."Never give up and never give in, even when the days are the darkest." Here is a man who has served our country at war. Now, he lives every day in literal "darkness" and yet he doesn't give up and hasn't given in. He has found a compensatory avenue to continue giving to others via his support system.
...there is a rest of the story.......read on.....
I was recently visiting my folks in the retirement community, The Villages, FL. This community is spread across thousands of miles and acres for 70,000+ retirees. There is dancing on the square nightly, outdoor restaurants and bars, 1800 clubs to join....such a great place to stay active when retired! While visiting on Memorial Day, my dad and I were scooting around in the golf cart looking to have breakfast together and we happened upon 100′s of people at a Memorial Service, so we stopped to check it out.
While there, I was fortunate to witness a drummer ushering in the color guard, the US flag, the Scottish Band and all the branches of the Armed Forces who were honoring their fallen soldiers. This gentleman has been a snare drummer for more than 75 years. It's obvious that he gives his drumming skills back to the community and to the U.S., in part, because he is proud to be an American.
....the rest of the story...... He is Blind, He is Crippled, He Is Feeble.
However, you would never know it to LISTEN to him. If you closed your eyes and just listened to the brrrrrm, brrrrrrm, brrm, rat-a-tat-tat of his drumming, HE DOESN'T MISS A BEAT. I never heard a mistake. How does he accomplish this during a program where there is tremendous activity going on around him? He can't see the action and there are no words of direction to him from the microphone or speakers. If you've been to Washington, DC to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, you know that there is just a lot of quiet marching. The same was happening here...mostly quiet marching. How does he know when to play, when to stop? My dad explained that he has interveners to his left and right who are watching everything and giving him verbal direction.
In other words, he has a support system that helps him accomplish his goal.
I was so impressed with this gentleman and with his system of meeting the needs of the community at large, while staying successful as an active participant giving back to others. I can imagine that this is one of the things that keeps him going; giving to meet a need, while needing to feel that he still has something to offer, which he obviously does.
He doesn't let his disability affect his personal achievement.
I've said for years to my children, friends, loved ones...."Never give up and never give in, even when the days are the darkest." Here is a man who has served our country at war. Now, he lives every day in literal "darkness" and yet he doesn't give up and hasn't given in. He has found a compensatory avenue to continue giving to others via his support system.
In giving to others, he is repaid 1000-fold, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.
While watching that brave soldier, in full dress uniform, drumming on a 90 degree FL Memorial Day, here's what I learned for myself and perhaps it is true for you as well:
1. It doesn't matter what age you are, you can always find success. Start today if you haven't already committed to your personal goals. If you are afraid or overwhelmed, set just one goal and work daily for achievement!
2. Find a support system. Surround yourself with others who are committed to walking together with you, side by side, encouraging and supporting you while you work towards your goal, keeping your eyes on the horizon.
3. Give back. Give to even one person or organization every week or month who you DON'T have to give to. It's almost a requirement that we give to our family, our friends, our church. But when we give to someone we aren't expected to give to, the feeling, "I must" therefore "I resent", is eradicated and we end up reaping positives. Look for opportunities to give of yourself.
4. If your path to success is blocked, either by illness, personal crisis or disaster, DON'T GIVE IN. You can find a way to work through the tough stuff and YOU WILL come out on the other side, successful in the end. When the days are the darkest for you and doubt swirls about you, manifest positives, attain your goals and reach the finish line by doing this:
Keep your eye on the prize, walking determinedly and confidently towards your final destination, using obstacles as stepping stones to your personal success.
I wish you all good things, but mostly I hope that, today, you will set your goal(s) and in time, as you give forward, you will be receiving back and basking in the knowledge that you achieved and fulfilled the desires of your heart.
Drumming my way to success, Lori.
About this Author
My name is Lori Redding and I am living my dream! In 2009 I started my own company with Sendoutcards. I told a few people about it and now...I wake up when I'm done sleeping and take time to myself when I want. Feel free to contact me at http://www.lorireddingsuccess.com
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