The definition of perseverance!!
I had the distinct pleasure of meeting a man last week that I will not soon forget. I received an e-mail from Mike Bliss’ grandma Lynn a couple of weeks ago. Mike was brutally attacked while leaving a bar in Buffalo in late March for the complete story, here’s the link: http://mikebliss.weebly.com/ . Mike is a loyal listener of WBEE’s and his Gram thought it might lift his spirits if one of us paid him a visit. Well she may have been right but in my opinion she had it backwards. I have to be honest, I was nervous, I knew I had an opportunity to maybe say or do something helpful but what can I say that will matter a hoot to a kid who is fighting to regain something that should have never been taken away from him. As I walked into the hospital my hands were sweating and my mind was racing, all I could think was “Just don’t babble Terry, don’t screw this up”.
As I walked into Mike’s room, there was an immediate peace and happiness that was palatable. Surrounded by a huge loving family sat a young man that is truly one in a million. Mike greeted me with a warm handshake that he has worked tirelessly for the past several weeks to be able to execute. His smile said it all. There sat the human definition of perseverance. He is a kind and loving individual and a true pleasure to meet and chat with.
Mike Bliss has every reason in the world to be a bitter angry vengeful young man. He was robbed of abilities that we take for granted everyday for no apparent reason. He is not… he looks to the future with hope and wonderment. He has accepted the challenges that lie ahead. He is a young man of great faith and determination.
As I left the hospital I realized that mine were the spirits that had been lifted. I was the lucky one last week to have the met the acquaintance of Mike Bliss and his wonderful family. I’ll ask one thing of you on his behalf. Pray fro Mike, however you start or end your day, whomever you put your belief in ask them to smile on Mike, give him a boost, he’ll do the rest. I believe with my whole heart and soul, Mike Bliss will walk out of Strong Memorial Hospital, maybe it will take some time but he’ll do it and we should all learn a lesson from it.
May 8th, 2008 at 9:15 am
Terry -
It is people like Mike Bliss that make me realize how much I take for granted. You are lucky to have met such an inspiring man…your blog will stay in my mind and I will not forget to keep praying for him.
May 8th, 2008 at 10:42 am
Hi Terry…what an inspiring visit…I do remember reading about it when it had happened and saying a prayer then, but after reading your sccount of your visit with Mike, I just want you to know that I have added him to my daily prayer interceptions ‘list’. I think I know the feeling you had going in and then how you felt after..since I have expeerienced that very thing with the first patient I ever had that was a Hospice patient..you go in wondering if and how you can help or do anything and end up walking away with them having given you so very much. It truly is a miracle and a blessing to met and be with those dear souls and people like Mike…maybe the next get-together the Bee has we could have one or two of those plastic Bee sections out and people could all jot down a little note and/or maybe the artists could autograph it for him and then we could just roll it up and send it off to him. Wouldn’t it be great if he could wallpaper a wall with the Bee’s sections filled with love, good wishes and notes?? I think it would be something really special and give him such a thrill to have and read and re-read over and over again…and with that loveable little Bee smiling at him…every day…how could he not feel the love that its bringing with him…HECK! you could even bringone with you guys to wherever you are out and about and start a whole bunch and then as they get filled..just send them on!! Wouldn’t he be surprised each time one arrived!!
Have a great day M’am and you were truly an angel of mercy to go esp with all the uncertainity you mentioned!! But that’s YOU and just exactly what you would do!! YOU are special M’am…don;t change one thing ever!!
May 8th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
Terry -
You are so right. I was listening the day after you went and I was touched by your words and how YOU had felt when you left.
I wish Mr. Bliss a full recovery and thank you for sharing your time with him and your story with us!
May 9th, 2008 at 12:03 am
On be half of Mike Bliss and family. THANK YOU ALL SO VERY MUCH!!!!! Love you guys!!!!!!