My work inspires me - everyday. And what I find most inspiring are those
people who are able to turn a terrible or traumatic situation into something
beautiful. I saw this first with Bob. When I was 19, in my undergrad and knowing I
wanted a career in health care, I applied for a job as an attendant care aide. Despite having no experience and only able to
offer a positive attitude and helping spirit, I got the job. Bob was my
boss. Bob had been rendered a
quadriplegic when he was hit by a car.
Bob described his life before his accident as “miserable”. He was very open about his previous
unhappiness and spoke candidly about how his accident helped him to turn his
life around. As I worked with Bob for many
years we became quite close. Overtime,
he started telling me about the feelings he was having for one of his other
attendants. I listened and encouraged
Bob to share his feelings with her. He
did, and discovered that the feelings were mutual. They were soon married. Bob and his new wife lived a wonderful life –
they traveled, spent time with friends and family, and just truly enjoyed each
other’s company. I remained in touch
with Bob and his wife over the years and was saddened to hear of Bob’s passing
a few weeks ago. At the visitation I
hugged his wife and together we spoke of the wonderful years they shared, and
the joy they brought to each other.
I believe that when Bob had his accident he had choices -
maybe not physical choices to walk again, or to be able to regain full use of
his hands – but he had emotional choices.
He could have chosen to be miserable, grumpy and difficult to work
for. Or, to withdrawal from others and
live reclusively. He could have resumed his previous poor habits that rendered
him so unhappy in his adult years. He
also could have decided to keep his feelings for his attendant to himself, fearing
rejection. But Bob’s accident made him realize
the preciousness of life and this helped him to make all the right choices and
decisions that ultimately brought him joy, love and happiness in his remaining
years.
We can all learn from the Bob’s of the world. And luckily enough for me I have a caseload
full of them.
