When bad things happen: Making lemonade!

Question

On Friday, February 23, 2001 (10 years ago today), I was hit by a drunk driver and my life hasn't been the same since. I have discussed this several times and was even absent for most of this past December due to complications from yet another surgery which was necessary due to that unfortunate day.

I often wonder what life would be like if I hadn't crossed paths with that drunk driver. Some might think I'm crazy, but I can now look back and think of all of the great things that have happened as a result. Don't get me wrong, there are many mornings I wake up and have to remind myself all over again of the positive. But I have found it very helpful and therapeutic to focus on the blessings. This is just a small excerpt from a list I made awhile ago.

• I have had more time at home with my kids because I am not working outside of the home.
• I am truly amazed at how loving and devoted my husband is. (I guess he meant it when he agreed to the "in sickness and in health" line. )
• I have made connections and friendships with others who share similar experiences. -I have had more time to focus on interests like music, etc.
• Spanish!!! I probably never would have found the time to study Spanish and never would have met all of the great people in this forum.

I have met some wonderful friends in this forum who have also experienced similar situations. They have shared them with me and it left me feeling even more hopeful and encouraged. I would love to know if there is anyone else who has experienced something bad in their lives (whether it is yourself or someone you know) and has been able to see something positive come from it. I think this could be encouraging for us all!!

Answer 1

I totally agree.

Our younger son suffered catastrophic illness during infancy. We have learned that what really matters is eternity; our lives here on earth are a brief mist and then we are in eternity.

Proverbs3:5

I'm sure that you and your son are looking forward to a day when he lives in his redeemed body! :) - Nicole-B, Feb 23, 2011

Answer 2

I don't want to go into details, but often things that seemed like the worst thing possible at the time set the stage for the best things of my life.

That is so true. It may be impossible to believe at the time, but eventually the worst days can become the stage for the best days. - Nicole-B, Feb 23, 2011

Answer 3

In late March, 2007, after returning from a business flight from Chicago, I felt a pain in the calf of my left leg. A week later, the area had become red and was hot to the touch. I had an ultrasound performed which indicated a large blood clot had developed in a surface vessel in my leg. I had the ultrasound repeated two weeks later. It indicated the clot had developed into a DVT (deep vein thrombosis) and I was immediately hosptialized. I was placed on heparin, lovenox, and warfarin to treat the clot. I spent the next two weeks between the hospital and home until the danger subsided.

During that period of time, my business associates cared enough about me to drop me from the project that required the business trip in the first place. I found out I had been dropped when I tried to log into my company computer from home. They did not visit me in the hospital or at home. When I finally returned to work, I was ostracized from the project community and finally retired.

What good came from it?

• I recovered from my clot
• I was given time to establish proper priorities in my life and understand what is important
• I was allowed to see some people for what they are
• I was given a new life perspective

I'm not at the point of being thankful for it, but I can see some good that came from the catastrophe.

I think you might be thankful for the results, but not going through the process! - mountaingirl123, Feb 23, 2011

Answer 4

Dogwood said:

During that period of time, my business associates cared enough about me to drop me from the project that required the business trip in the first place. I found out I had been dropped when I tried to log into my company computer from home. They did not visit me in the hospital or at home. When I finally returned to work, I was ostracized from the project community and finally retired.

I am so sorry to hear that this happened to you. One thing I have learned is that when something bad happens either the absolute worst comes out in people...or the absolute best.

I am happy to see that you have not allowed this horrible treatment to make you completely bitter. It is understandable for anyone to be hurt and angry. But you have been a good example by not allowing this cruel and disloyal behavior of your coworkers to change who you are.

....and, we are extremely happy that you are still alive and well with us Dogwood. The forum would not be the same without you!!!!

definitely! Always so positive Nicole...I missed you on my thread about negative thinking...;) - 00494d19, Feb 23, 2011

I did see that. I will be answering....It was a great topic! - Nicole-B, Feb 23, 2011

Thank you, Nicole. I am glad to be here. ;) - 0066c384, Feb 23, 2011

Answer 5

We even have a saying for that ¡

¡NO hay mal que por bien no venga!

There is always something good in something bad

I am going to memorize that amiga. :) There is probably a similar saying in every language...."In every cloud there is a silver lining." - Nicole-B, Feb 23, 2011

Answer 6

I think often many worst things at the time, they seemed for the best things in my life example wedding photography Carlow.