The second half of summer hasn’t exactly gotten off to the start I was hoping for.
Recently, I had surgery to address an issue that will most likely keep me bedridden for several weeks. Around the same time, my dad was admitted to the hospital for heart problems and will require a heart valve replacement along with triple bypass surgery.
My mom had noticed a spot on her skin that was enough cause for concern that her doctor ordered a biopsy. Fortunately, everything turned out okay. And not to be excluded, Lindsey has been battling severe Lupus flareups, most likely triggered by her pregnancy.
For the past three weeks, someone in our family has either been in the hospital or had a doctor visit every single day. If ever a family was eligible for its own wing at a hospital, I think we’d have a good shot at qualifying!
However, I don’t share this news to solicit any sympathy, but rather to serve as a reminder of a very valuable lesson I have learned since my injury. It’s a lesson that I always incorporate in the talks I give, the most recent being to the US Department of Veterans Affairs a couple of weeks ago.
“There will be good days and bad days.”
Like it or not, at some point all of us will face a daunting challenge that can cripple our psyche if we let it. It’s during the times we find ourselves tested that we discover just how resilient the human spirit can be. More times than not, we make it through and come out the other end a stronger person as a result, even though we might not always appreciate it.
When it comes to adversity, there’s no such thing as a free pass.
Just because you have endured hardship and faced down what seemed like an insurmountable challenge in your past, does not exclude you from having to do it all over again in the future. This isn’t a final exam at the end of school, where once it’s done, it’s over, and you’ll never have to repeat it again. This is life. It can be unpredictable, unfair, and trying.
You should expect that bad days will still find you. However, you should take solace in the fact that you have gotten through them in the past, and there’s no reason you can’t get through them again. We are much more resilient than we give ourselves credit for and need to remember that each time we encounter a new and uncertain challenge.
Fortunately, there will still be good days too.
The video below was recently shared with me by a friend and is another great reminder that “we may be more vulnerable than we ever thought, but we are also stronger than we ever imagined”.
Stand Strong!
Scott
P. S. – If you want to discover all the lessons I’ve learned and applied in my life since my accident, you’ll have to read the book 🙂
Scott,
Like so many others, I find your story fascinating and I always look forward to updates on your blog.
When do you think a book will be available?
Hi Scott. I’m so sorry to hear about the recent health issues you and your family are facing. My mom went through the same type of surgery as your dad needs to have (triple bypass & heart valve replacement). It is a major procedure, but it is truly amazing what the cardiologists can accomplish. I’ll pray for a successful outcome and speedy recovery. Take very good care, and God Bless you all.
God is good and keeps me grounded each day in knowing He will never forsake us. Praying for you and your family. May the Lord bless each of you and ease the burdens.
Pat in Florida
“Not to be excluded” ha — Such a typical younger sister! Let me know when a visit is doable! Sorry to hear about your dad that is a brutal procedure ….I’ll stay in touch with dates!
You are my inspiration and I pray for your speedy recovery and for your dad and sister also. I have no doubt the strength and resilience runs in the blood of all Fedor family members and soon things will get back to normal as they should to welcome baby no. 2 . Sending lots of prayers and love your way🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
We take so much for granted. I am so sorry to hear about your surgery and your family health issues. I will say a prayer for all of you. I called the number for Leap and it was disconnected. Do you have a phone number that works?
GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY>
Your thoughts always make me so thankful for what and who I have in my life.
Hello Scott, Great message!! Yes, life is a daily battle for many of us (me included). I continue in the Hope the Lord has given me, This Hope is “a confident assurance of the future”. I agree with your message Scott. We must use the past as a means of strength to move forward not as an anchor to hold us back. I have to constantly remind myself daily of this Hope. My recent battle is being diagnosed with Cancer, (Squamous Cell Carcinoma). I have been scheduled for surgery August 13th. As I have been having medical battles all my life from an infant in fact, it is true I have been successful in getting through each one, some even continue to be dealt with daily. I’m in Hope that this cancer is localized and that the Lord will see that the Doctor is able to remove all of this cancer. Scott I will continue praying for you and your family and those folks that surround you. Scott, I am sorry you and family are going through all of this, May Gods Grace Comfort You All. I take great Joy in knowing God is suffering with us and will see us through all of this. Continue in constant prayer.
Thank you for this amazing message and reminder, Scott.
Very powerful, Scott. Be strong. I know you’ll get through this, as will your amazing family.