I am standing on the North Shore in Hollandia and I am  being still. I am soaking up not only the atmosphere of the location but the generosity of the people as well.

I am able to be here because of the good will of The Daan Theeuwes Foundation. Daan Theeuwes befriended me in 2014 at Pathway’s as a fellow client. You can read his amazing story by going to http://www.daantheeuwes.nl. 

His presence in my life is exceptional!  I am inspired by the determination this young man shows. Imagine being thrust into the unenviable position of not being able to use the right side of your body.  Now imagine it occurring when you are in the prime of your life, your early 20’s.  Dreams of running in the New York Marathon, finishing school soon, dating, driving, living alone, fixing your own meals…they are all in question.  Not for Daan…he has already started knocking things off his list.  I believe that in the next 5 years Daan will have accomplished all of this.  He has already shortened his bucket list through determination and dedication.  I love watching the incredible things that Daan takes part in and I admire the quiet example he has become to so many.

In the real world it is so easy to overlook the accomplishments of Super Heroes all around us. I see them disguised as Nurses, Therapist, Doctors, and so many more in the medical & rehabilitation fields that impact those of us who didn’t ask for trauma but now are trying to own it.  Even more I see the heroes appearing as the handi-capped; do you see the stroke victim dragging a leg behind her?  Instead focus on what she is leading with; an incredible smile!  Do you see the man with a gunshot wound to his skull?  Instead focus on his purposeful gate and the twinkle in his eyes!  

There are thousands upon thousands of wheelchairs, limps, drags, slurs, wounds, scars and cracks that are really stories waiting to be told.  Do not hesitate to ask what happened, you are likely to hear an incredible journey and make a friend; however if they are reticent to discus it do not condescend in your smile of retreat…instead solemnly show your respect and go on with your quest and love on those who are more ready.  Remember not everyone who has been transformed from mild mannered individual leading an ordinary life to unreal examples of living out loud want to be there…in fact very few of us do.  

We are not given a second chance at life by what some foolishly label as tragedy; instead this is our first chance to live like we are here to make a difference in the world.  Primarily we are asked to sacrifice the regular lives we were striving to exist in, then we become living examples of what God, prayer, effort, determination, help and love can rebuild.  These miracles that happen to a chosen few are the much needed experiences that can set potential free!  

Many times that “miracle” starts with “Pre-Morbid Disposition”, this is the internal will of a human. More specifically it is the subconscious desire of one to want to fight for life…or not. If you are blessed enough to know someone who has survived death, you know someone with a strong & positive Pre-Morbid Disposition. In other words; you are in the presence of a fighter, a believer, a lover, a dreamer, a force beyond reasonable expectations…Daan Theeuwes is one of those.

To be his age and fight to make a difference…a real difference…in the world inspires me. If you read about he, his parent’s, and the Foundation you will recognize them as evidence that one person (or three) can make a difference, a real impact, in the world.  I am in awe and humbled by how he makes it look so natural and readily attainable. Thank you Daan for the example you give.

Domonique and Adrian Theeuwes are Daan’s parents and my incredible hosts. I met them in 2014 and I feel that I made a connection with them. I want to love like they do. I have seen first hand the emotional investment they are willing to continue to make in their remarkable son. They could have taken the easy way out by parking Daan on a shelf in “rehab” locally.

They did not.

Instead they literally looked the world over and found the Shepherd Center. Out of their own pockets they are funding Daan’s recovery.  They are willing to sacrifice a part of their present for their son’s future. I never want to need to do that but I pray that would be willing. Thank you for the example my friends.  You are truly Super Heroes.

Meanwhile back at the ranch…uhhh…beach…I am being still and breathing in the saltwater air…the day before many of the businesses along this beach close for the winter. There are humans, dogs, surfers, children, and at least one Alien. It smells like deep water & optimism.  It doesn’t feel salty and humid, instead the air is crisp while being full, hard to explain.  I just know it is a place that I want to always have a memory of…however it is nothing without the beautiful friends that are I am here with. 

In the coming months the water will rise to the upper line on the pole in the picture.  Amazing huh?!
Adriaan was not able to join us at the North Shore so Daan, Dominique and I had lunch at the Buddha Beach restaurant. It is owned by Dave & Margavuhg (Marjolein…I was close) Paardekooper who have a dream life. They bust their butts to make it work however it is an enviable life to own a business at the beach. I should know, I had one once…I should try that again. They are terrific hosts, just look at the shirt they gave me to take to my daughter Kelsey.

I want to work for them when they start their opening process in February. Hint hint.

My good friend Carol Baker occasionally asks me to be still. My Doctors, Therapist, Nurses, Psychiatrist, Psychologist, Counselors, and friends ask me to be still and to remember to breathe. 

 They might be surprised to find out that not only do I stop, I also soak in the moments while I appreciate where I am & how I got there.  

I can remember being at my grandparent’s house growing up and understanding that it wouldn’t last.  At a young age I appreciated how important it is to stop and smell the chocolate chip cookies, to memorize the lines of a loved ones face, to connect the smell of cut grass to something special not just a chore.  Memories are all around us but without wide eyes and a wider understanding of time they can go unappreciated and misused.  Breathing in is not my problem, exhaling is.  Letting go sucks.  

One of the most incredible things God has ever given me was the accident. I have learned a lot about myself and my will. I have met the most amazing people, I feel more for the friends I’ve always had, and I understand better how much harder I should try. 

I am going to have ACL surgery again in November and my left knee hurts like nothing else.  I probably shouldn’t be making tall grass short with a push mower…or doing ballet.  I have put my body through a lot but I would not trade one spot of pain for a single friend I have made because of this.  Good things come to those whose eyes and hearts are open.

It is easy to love my life today as I stand on the North Shore surrounded by friends; however a year ago when I had been shorted $20,000.00 of the $19,000.00 I was supposed to be making each year, I still tried to feel great about my life.  I was able to do so because of the people in my life, the amazing, incredible, awesome, loving, beautiful, warm, patient, caring, giving people in my little life.  Good times and bad times come and go but true friends are always present. I loved my life then and now. I am one of the most blessed people I know.

Anywho; I am about to make crab cakes with crab meat I smuggled into the country. #myclothssmellfishy