The Human Spirit

(picture by my mom, Sue)

The human spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it.

~C.C. Scott

The Human Spirit

You really don't know how fragile life is until something happens right in front of your eyes and you realize that it can be taken away at any given moment. You also don't know what you are truly capable of handling until you are put in the situation, usually when you least expect it. The most amazing thing can happen though, you most likely will rise to the challenge and even surprise yourself.

Yesterday I watched a terrible accident unfold before me. A young man on a motorcycle was hit by a car and landed a few feet away from where I was. Before I knew it I was out of my car, immersed in the center of the accident trying to help this young man laying in the road. You don't know what you are made out of until you are truly tested.

Here is what I learned in under a half hour:

• I learned that you can connect with strangers in an instant.
• I learned the power of holding someones hand in the midst of fear and pain.
• I learned that it's okay to take charge if no one else is going to.
• I learned that angels have many different shapes and forms.
• I learned that staring into someones eyes can be the best way to show compassion.
• I learned that your human spirit can talk to you and guide you through a situation.
• I learned that there are countless words to use to comfort someone.
• I learned that smiling can be the most powerful tool you have, that and a cell phone!
• I learned that not everyone around you will react, you need to help them react in order to help.
• I learned that an ipod can withstand a beating.
• I learned that miracles can happen in an instant despite a horrible experience. (his backpack ended up coming between him and the road when his helmet came off)
• I learned that you can still be wondering if a total stranger is okay as you lay in bed in the safety and comfort of your own home hours later.
• Most of all I learned that even though our lives are fragile, our human spirit is not.

Know that you are capable of even more than you think! Believe in the power of your spirit and let it guide you in every situation you come across.