I have heard the grief experience compared to what it is like for one to learn how to live with a missing limb. It can be like knowing what it’s like to be physically whole, having an arm or leg amputated and then learning how to adapt while living with the constant reminder that something is missing.
Andrew Haley is an Olympic swimmer. Andrew, at one point in time, had every limb in his body. After two battles with cancer that gave him a 35% chance of living, Andrew beat the odds at the cost of his right leg. He adapted. From what I’ve come to learn so far he has used his adversity to fuel his hunger to achieve, and in no small way. Andrew has brought home gold and bronze medals from the Paralympics. As a Canadian, and a survivor, that makes me proud.
On Tuesday, September 25th, Andrew Haley will be speaking at the A.R. Kaufman YMCA, located at 333 Carwood Avenue in Kitchener, from 3:30pm – 5:00pm. It’s an opportunity to hear how someone has overcome great obstacles and gone on to do amazing things. We all face challenges in life, unexpected tsunamis that threaten to take us under. What’s inspiring to me is meeting individuals who might be threatened, but are remarkably not crushed by insurmountable odds. Andrew sounds like he’s one of those people.
If you’re interested in joining this event, please RSVP by calling Member Services at (519) 743-5201. I hope to see you there!
Good Grief Guru
