We are surrounded by so much negativity in our daily lives. Daily news programs feature the worst events and exploit them for ratings. Social media is filled with “Trolls” and cyber bullying has been a part of too many young tragedies. Our world appears to be falling down around us and we feel helpless. Yet, every so often, I find myself experiencing the world in bright and beautiful way. A way that is filled with joy and a sense of freedom. I recently had one of those experiences. It was so powerful, that I feel a need to share it with anyone who will listen. I found myself with the privilege of providing service to the Department of Defense’s Warrior Games. There were the top competitors from five of the United States military branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and SOCOMM (Special Operations Command – think SEAL’s, Rangers, and the such). There were also military participants from five other countries: Australia, Canada, Great Britton, the Netherlands and Denmark. Many competitors had their families and coaches attending with them. They competed in golf, weightlifting, rowing, archery, air rifle, air pistol, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby (I am not kidding), seated volleyball, swimming, bicycle races and track & field. I fear I may have forgotten some.

The first day I witnessed a Marine on the golf course. He was missing two legs

and an arm. He was not missing his desire to live his life. He had a custom golf cart built to

accommodate himself. It went anywhere on the course. The seat hydraulically put him at the right angle to strike a golf ball. He golfed with one hand and was very good at it.

I became accustomed to seeing people without limbs, in wheelchairs or with other injuries, seen or unseen. These brave souls lived larger than their injuries. They refused to be defined by them. They went about their lives as any other person. They did what

REFLECTIONS ON RECOVERY A Newsletter for Al-Anon Family Groups Volume 2, 2019

AREA 9 Florida

North- District 2

My Worst Day Ever? Or: How Do We Choose to Define

Ourselves? By: Bob C Ocala, FL

they loved and raised their families. They had such positive attitudes that it really made me put my life in perspective. They dealt with their lives in such a way, that my problems became insignificant.

Then there were the service dogs. They were well trained and could do amazing things. They came in all breeds, shapes and sizes, and were extremely loyal. This particular dog was barking with a serious sense of urgency throughout the day. I later discovered that his owner had a stroke and was in the hospital. The dog was trying desperately to locate him.

Beyond the competitors, the fans and volunteers were amazing. The best example I can offer was from the swimming events.

People competed in different categories, dependent upon the severity of their injuries. I had the privilege of watching four men compete in a race to get across a 50-meter pool. Each of these men had lost both legs and portions of

one arm. It was amazing to see a Marine make it across in about one minute. He was an athlete that was determined to win. Two others made it across in about 2 ½ minutes. Then, there was our fourth competitor. He was a large man and his injured arm did not have enough to provide much propulsion. He would

take a deep breath with each stroke of his good arm. Then we would wait for him to complete his stroke and come back up for air. I found myself praying, “Please Lord, let him make it across this pool. Allow him the dignity of not needing to be rescued.” However, he was a Navy man that would not accept failure. He plunged through with each stroke and refused to give up. The crowd was cheering him on. The length was completed in 4 ¾ minutes. If you had been walking past and heard the crowd screaming and seen them on their feet, you would have thought a new world record had been achieved. The tears were real from the many hundreds of people that were watching. My program has taught me to appreciate and savor these moments. This story affirms my belief that most of this world is filled with wonderful people. We are just too boring to get stories about us on the news each day.

During the opening ceremonies, Jon Stewart said that these people refuse to be defined by the worst day of their lives. I believe that message is consistent with the principles of our program: We do not need to be defined by what has happened in our lives. We can choose to go out and make them better. Change the way you look at your problems and your problems will change. Be of service to others. Smile and connect with

others – this life is not meant to be lived in isolation. Thank your Higher Power for today!