In my life, I complain a lot. I act like every little thing that happens to me is the end of the world, that I can't find a job and stay in Emporia this summer, that my dinner in the cafeteria wasn't food that I wanted to eat tonight, that I'm burned out on my current job and don't want to do it anymore. I think the world is this horrible place that is meant to just screw me over continually, I get more and more cynical and I get more and more irritable. I piss and moan like it is all going to come crashing down on me, not realizing that what I have going on is nothing compared to that of millions of other people in the world. Then I go to Deadspin and I read a story about an 18 year old with cancer named John Challis getting to have what could be one last at bat.
Say what you want about the importance of sports in our society, that it is just a game, a waste of time, and that in the grand scheme of things it is inconsequential, but tell that to this kid. An avid sports fan, John played football and baseball, even seeing action in both at the high school level for limited time. Then came April 14, Challis was put in to pinch-hit and Pittsburgh Post-Gazette was there covering it. To summarize would do this no justice, so here is what Mike White had to say about it...
Only a short couple of week before this, he was told by doctors that he had possibly 2 months to live. It sounds like something you would see in a Disney movie, but it isn't, this is real life. The kicker in all of this is that, when it could go down as a sad story of a boy going too soon, it is so much more. The testimonial from the coach, Mr. Wetzel, put it best...
The attitude that John Challis has maintained throughout this adversity in his life might not have the same effect on you that it has me, in fact, it may not have any effect on you at all. But the next time that you think you have it all so bad because you have a big homework assignment due that you waited until the last minute on, you get a flat tire on your car, or are just having a bad day, take some time to ask yourself just how bad you really have it. Take some time out to ask yourself if everything is really as horrible as you're making it out to be, if maybe you should lay off the cynicism. I think Challis has it right...
Maybe we can all learn a lesson...
*To Read This Article, Click Me*
*All credit due to Mike White of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.*
*Thanks to Deadspin for introducing the article.*
Say what you want about the importance of sports in our society, that it is just a game, a waste of time, and that in the grand scheme of things it is inconsequential, but tell that to this kid. An avid sports fan, John played football and baseball, even seeing action in both at the high school level for limited time. Then came April 14, Challis was put in to pinch-hit and Pittsburgh Post-Gazette was there covering it. To summarize would do this no justice, so here is what Mike White had to say about it...
"He hasn't played in a few years, but he's called on to pinch-hit. His eyes light up at the first pitch and he puts all of his 5-foot-5, 93-pound frame into one mighty swing, making contact and sending a line drive into right field for a single -- if he can reach first base. The cancer he's been battling for almost two years has spread to his pelvis, making running nearly impossible. The kid worries about falling as he hustles down the first-base line. When he gets to the base, he lets out with a yell. 'I did it! I did it!' Safe at first with a hit and an RBI, the kid is hugged by a crying first-base coach. The opposing pitcher takes off his glove, starts applauding and his teammates follow suit. The kid's teammates run onto the field to celebrate."
Only a short couple of week before this, he was told by doctors that he had possibly 2 months to live. It sounds like something you would see in a Disney movie, but it isn't, this is real life. The kicker in all of this is that, when it could go down as a sad story of a boy going too soon, it is so much more. The testimonial from the coach, Mr. Wetzel, put it best...
"He spoke from his heart," Mr. Wetzel, the coach, said. "He said, 'I've got two options. I know I'm going to die, so I can either sit at home and feel sorry, or I could spread my message to everybody to live life to the fullest and help those in need.' After hearing that, I don't know if there were many people not crying."
The attitude that John Challis has maintained throughout this adversity in his life might not have the same effect on you that it has me, in fact, it may not have any effect on you at all. But the next time that you think you have it all so bad because you have a big homework assignment due that you waited until the last minute on, you get a flat tire on your car, or are just having a bad day, take some time to ask yourself just how bad you really have it. Take some time out to ask yourself if everything is really as horrible as you're making it out to be, if maybe you should lay off the cynicism. I think Challis has it right...
"I guess I can see why people see me as an inspiration," he said. "But why do people think it's so hard to see things the way I do? All I'm doing is making the best of a situation." John then raises his voice. "Why can't people just see the best in things? It gets you so much further in life. It's always negative this and negative that. That's all you see and hear."
Maybe we can all learn a lesson...
*To Read This Article, Click Me*
*All credit due to Mike White of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.*
*Thanks to Deadspin for introducing the article.*
