out here in the middle
cycling, music, culture, faith
cycling, music, culture, faith
BLOG.JASONKEARNEY.NET
Perspective
Say hello to my new friend, Charlie.
Charlie is nine years old. Last year, he was diagnosed with cancer. In August, he went to St. Jude's Children's Hospital in Memphis. He just returned this week, after three surgeries, chemo, with a shunt in his head.
Charlie can't walk without the help of a walker. But he can ride a bike. A local business owner came in today and bought Charlie a new bicycle. It was a slow, rainy day at the bike shop today. But the rain was nothing compared to the tears that fell.
While Charlie and his family were trying out bikes, there was a customer in the shop who had grown impatient (rightfully so) with an issue he'd had with a purchase. When he saw Charlie, his eyes well up, and he walked to the back of the store. I gave him a few minutes, then walked up to him and just said, "perspective."
Charlie is getting on a plane this week. He will be flying out to San Francisco to film a commercial for St. Jude's. Also starring in the commercial is Robin Williams. Charlie is really excited. But not as excited about his new bike.
It was good for me to meet Charlie today. His smile and his upbeat outlook really inspired me. And the business owner who wanted nothing more than to be a blessing to a little guy who is fighting for his life—well, it restored my faith in people.
When you look at your family, be thankful for their health. And while you're at it, say a little prayer for Charlie.
Charlie is nine years old. Last year, he was diagnosed with cancer. In August, he went to St. Jude's Children's Hospital in Memphis. He just returned this week, after three surgeries, chemo, with a shunt in his head.
Charlie can't walk without the help of a walker. But he can ride a bike. A local business owner came in today and bought Charlie a new bicycle. It was a slow, rainy day at the bike shop today. But the rain was nothing compared to the tears that fell.
While Charlie and his family were trying out bikes, there was a customer in the shop who had grown impatient (rightfully so) with an issue he'd had with a purchase. When he saw Charlie, his eyes well up, and he walked to the back of the store. I gave him a few minutes, then walked up to him and just said, "perspective."
Charlie is getting on a plane this week. He will be flying out to San Francisco to film a commercial for St. Jude's. Also starring in the commercial is Robin Williams. Charlie is really excited. But not as excited about his new bike.
It was good for me to meet Charlie today. His smile and his upbeat outlook really inspired me. And the business owner who wanted nothing more than to be a blessing to a little guy who is fighting for his life—well, it restored my faith in people.
When you look at your family, be thankful for their health. And while you're at it, say a little prayer for Charlie.
Pardon the Interruption
I'm working on making some changes to the blog, so please be patient.
I appreciate it!
I appreciate it!
