Apr 29, 2008 | 12:14 AM
Category:
News
Have you ever met someone who inspired you to re-think life, love and your pursuit of happiness?
These are the folks I'm showcasing here on The Bliss Report. Because men, women and children who triumph over tragedy can inspire us to enjoy life to the fullest. I was doing that recently in Starbucks. In a big velvet chair, I was sipping peppermint tea and loving the Oprah book Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert.
"Mind if I join you?" A male voice, distorted by cerebral palsy, made me glance up. Controlling his limbs to walk, he sat facing me as an employee placed his iced coffee on the table.
Then, Eric Toelle struggled against facial muscle spasms to tell his story. Born 33 years ago, the umbilical cord cinched his neck and robbed his arms, legs and mouth of normal function.
"I feel like I'm in prison," he said, describing taunts as a child and his wish for romantic love now, "and my only crime was being born."
Tears stung my eyes. His story could be any of ours, or our children's. Think about the anxieties we face every day—at school, at work, in relationships. Now imagine Eric's immense courage to proceed with his head and his hope held high. Would you give up? Would you lock yourself in your home?
Amazingly, despite rejection, alienation and torment that others inflict upon him, Eric ventures into the world — as a senior history major at Wayne State University. As a man approaching a woman in the coffee shop. And as a member of his church, where he draws strength every Sunday. And, he said:
"I'm writing a book. I want to tell my story so other kids don't get cruelly teased like I was."
My Barefoot Life will encourage people to follow their spirit to enjoy happiness. He does that through personal interaction as opposed to text messages, emails and phone calls. The St. Clair Shores resident also loves reading newspapers and doing the crossword puzzle over coffee.
Was it random that he "just happened" to pick me out of all the folks
in the coffee shop? Me, who had just conducted my popular "How to
Write a Book and Get Published" workshop? Me, who has written 11
books?
Call it what you want. But call Eric an everyday hero. He's an example to ditch the bad news in our lives—and celebrate friendships, earn an education, tell our stories to help others. Please share your stories here at The Bliss Report. Your words and wisdom can brighten someone else's day!
