The most common word I’ve used to explain my life since sharing my diagnosis is “overwhelming”. Sure, you might think, that makes sense: Of course someone battling ALS can be overwhelmed.
But ALS is not something that overwhelmed me. Let me explain.
From the moment I hit send that tweet, I have heard the kindest words from people near and far. I’ve heard from people in the baseball community that I don’t know who I am. I’ve heard from my classmates from elementary, middle, and high school. I have been constantly hyped and supported by family and friends.
I was overwhelmed by the kindness of others.
Don’t get me wrong – I appreciate that. As I said many times, it was overwhelming in a Good road. I feel so lucky to be able to say and start processing that others are grateful for me and my work.
But people should be overwhelmed.
Especially in this age of social media, we are conditioned to witness such outbursts when someone gets sick or passes away. And it’s all well-deserved. But I can’t even count how many times I’ve seen kind words reverberate about someone after that person’s death and wondered if – and hopefully – that sentiment was heard by that person. I always find myself hoping that people know how much they are loved.
We should tell people Not damn how much we appreciate them. We should approach each day with that in mind.
I appreciate every word, every punctuation mark from each person, but everybody deserve to know how appreciated and loved they are. I look at people who are healthy and nice, and they are also appreciated, but no one tells them.
Please, express your appreciation to others. In a tangible way.
If you think about it, Lou Gehrig gave an early example of this in his famous speech:
“In the last two weeks you have read about a bad vacation. However, today I consider myself the luckiest man on earth. I have been playing football for 17 years and have never received any. nothing but kindness and encouragement from you, fans.
“When you look around, do you consider it a privilege to be associated with such a handsome man as they stand in uniform in this football field today? Sure, I’m very lucky. Who wouldn’t consider it an honor to have known Jacob Ruppert?Also, baseball’s greatest empire builder, Ed Barrow?Had spent six years with that wonderful little fellow, Miller Huggins Then spent the next nine years with that brilliant leader, that smart psychology student, the best baseball coach out there, Joe McCarthy?
“When the New York Giants, a team that you’re going to give your right arm to beat, and conversely, send you a gift – that’s something. When everyone comes down on the field and the boys wear the jerseys. white coat remembers you with trophies – that’s something when you have a wonderful mother-in-law who always stands by you in arguments with her stepdaughter — that’s something When you have a father and a mother who work all your life so you can study and build your family body – that’s a blessing When you have a wife who used to be a tower of strength and show more courage than you could ever dream of – it’s the greatest thing I know.
His theme is “luck,” but there’s gratitude there, too. Take note of his idiosyncrasies, the ways in which he identifies why he feels grateful for these people. That’s what I’m talking about.
Please, take a cue from me, Lou or anyone else demonstrating this.
Appreciate others. In a tangible way.
