I like to read writing of substance; often the thicker the book, the better for me. Even so, I’ve discovered that not all worthwhile stories are in books heavy enough to be used as anchor weights in a storm. Regardless of my usual preferences, good stories aren’t necessarily literary or lengthy.
I find that survival stories can be powerful. I’m not
talking about today’s real-life TV kind of survival stories. I’m talking about stories that people tell as they
reflect on difficult times that could have broken them, such as these few
examples:
-Many voices (holocaust survivors)
-Stories from Hiroshima, survivors memories collected and told by John Hersey
-Dave Pelzer (child abuse survivor)
-Kien Nguyen (son of an American soldier and a Vietnamese woman, unwanted in South Vietnam)
-Lost Boys of Sudan (genocide survivors)
All of the above folks lived through times much harsher than
any life I’ve experienced or want to experience. While it brings me no comfort
to know that others have faced unfathomable and almost unspeakable events, I
find wisdom and strength and hope in their stories. They are experts in letting
go, holding on, and carrying on with life.
I’ve discovered survivors all over the place. They walk
amongst you and me every day. Few of them write their stories; they just live
their lives day by day. Survivors often have a quiet strength borne through
suffering. Simple and humble, they can be . . . and worthy of being heard. I
suggest we listen to the survivors amongst us, honor their experiences, learn
from them, and use their stories to help make the world a better place.
What survival stories have you found especially remarkable?
Are you a survivor of times that you know could easily have
consumed all that you are? Might your story be able to light the way for
someone else in this big and challenging world? Tell someone who needs to hear,
and let the hard road you’ve walked through help another along the way.
This blog post is part of a series of writing (May 31-June 2012) by Tammy Fletcher Bergland about holding on and letting go. tbergland.blogspot.com
This blog post is part of a series of writing (May 31-June 2012) by Tammy Fletcher Bergland about holding on and letting go. tbergland.blogspot.com
Alex's accident and resulting paralysis is something he lives with every day. I admire his perseverance. It was/is the most difficult thing we have had to face. How did we do it? One day at a time. There were times that I think it did consume all that we are. I know we are permanently changed and Alex, especially, continues with struggles every day. Just going to a restaurant or store and having no handicap spaces available (don't ever complain about places that have "too many"!)makes it difficult. He has had to park at the bottom of hill because there weren't any spaces available--he can't park in a regular space because there isn't room to get out of the car in a wheel chair. Going up a not wheel chair accessible hill is hard on his arms that he uses to move his chair.
ReplyDeleteAlex and your family are definitely survivors whose lives tell a story of strength every day, Barb. Wish the accident had never happened . . . and can't imagine how your mother's heart has felt through the storm. One day at a time . . . and you're all still going without being consumed. Surviving with grace. HOORAY! Prayers for continued strength, hope, peace and love.
ReplyDelete