“It’s about knowing what you want to do, and doing it. If it’s traveling, then travel and if not, then don’t travel. Life is simple, really, you see.” – Albert Casals
Throughout last week I was fortunate to be able to take in several films at the 37th Cleveland International Film Festival. Every feature I saw this year was a documentary, each presenting its take on a unique and fascinating subject. Saturday evening was highlighted by the film entitled, “Little World,” which is about 20-year-old, Albert Casals, who routinely travels around the world. He makes his journey to faraway and exotic locales by car, train, plane and boat. The catch… He does it with practically no money, solely relying on the generosity of complete strangers.
Relentlessly upbeat, Albert’s insistence on living the life he dreams of has lead him on a globetrotting whirlwind adventure covering five years of his life. The documentary chronicled his journey from his home in Spain to the very spot that is farthest from his home: a lighthouse in New Zealand. It was a testimony to witness this young man’s resilience and happiness as he traveled 30,000 km in 200 days with only €20. And oh yeah, did I mention he’s confined to a wheelchair?! As one reviewer said, “You don’t have to witness the incredible list of locations and travails to gauge the meaning of his journey. You can read it on his face: The joy of life.”
Although it was not as audacious as Albert’s achievement, I achieved another milestone in therapy last Thursday when I was able to sit by myself for over a minute without assistance. It may not seem like a lot of time, but “inch by inch, minute by minute…”
As previously mentioned, I will be speaking at Cuyahoga Community College in Parma on Thursday, April 25th. Please see details below if interested in attending (RSVP required).
Finally, my thoughts and prayers are with the individuals affected by yesterday’s terrible events at the Boston Marathon. I had just come in from sitting outside and was getting ready to post this blog update when I learned of the horrific news. I have many close friends in the Boston area, as well as many friends who are serious runners, and cannot begin to imagine what it would be like to experience an event like this firsthand. Please continue to keep those individuals and families affected in your prayers as well.
Unfortunately, it can often seem like our world is filled with so much hate and violence. Every time one turns on the news, there is usually some story of tragic proportions to open each newscast. However, there is still more good than evil in this world, there are still more stories of human triumph, generosity and love than stories like yesterday’s news. There are still more reasons to keep the faith, stand strong and push on than reasons to give up and despair. Life is not always easy or fair, and a lot of times it doesn’t make sense. But life is still capable of surprising us in a good way, offering hope and filling our lives with wonderful gifts. It’s especially during times like these when we need to remember this.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support!
Stand Strong!
Scott
Congrats on your accomplishment. !!! Thats so incrediablly awsome. So proud of you Scott. I am sorry I have to work Thursday and unable to hear you speak, but looking forward to hopefully hearing you speak some day. Please keep us updated with your talks. Have a blessed week and thanks again for your inspirational blogs.
I’M very glad for you scott, how huge is that!! continue and be Blessed.. very sad about boston, ive been praying for all.. though i don’t look forward to such evil bad news, i can only hope God can and will use it to draw a few more to salvation through Jesus Christ.. God Bless You Scott
Thank YOU for always INSPIRING!!! We are truly blessed to know you.
God Bless You,
Mary
Looking great, Scott!!! Wow :):):)
WHAT A HUGE ACCOMPLISHMENT!! That is so cool!!! STAND STRONG! I wish I could go to hear you speak on the 25th, please continue to let us know your speaking engagements. One of these days, I want to hear you! Again, amazing accomplishment! (I had to look up audacious ) 🙂
Wonderful post, Scott. Congrats on your personal milestone. Glad you were able to attend some films this year. The CIFF always notes that the festival is a great way to see the world. I’m sorry I wasn’t able to see the film about the resourceful world traveler. He’s got the right idea!!
Congratulations Scott on achieving your milestone and I’m glad the weather is finally warming up for you.
God bless you. Your encouraging words are especially important in reminding us that even though evil is around us everyday, there is a lot of goodness and caring in this world too.
Scott, your milestone in therapy is huge!
You look great Scott!!! Congrats on the sitting up accomplishment… one step closer to standing strong! Prayers continue for your continual healing! Thanks too for always being an inspiration to me with your words! Much appreciated!! Pat
YES!!!!
Congratulations on your new milestone. I was also enjoying the weather yesterday, even when my husband put me cleaning detail on the lower panels of the car because I reach so much better from the wheelchair. It’s good to be out hearing the birds sing and see spring finally show itself. “Little World” sounds like a wonderful film, sorry I missed it.
Thanks for reminding all of us that the light will always outshine the darkness.
-Fran
AMEN to that Scott. Too bad there is so much attention payed to all of the terrible acts of mankind and so little to the goodness of God’s creatures.God bless and keep you.