Brave Enough To Be Bliss

would be in favor of me sharing this story and one of his blogs. I think this is an important message for all, but especially poignant for other physicians.

Written by Dr. Schwartz on May 24, 2021 “A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing.“ George Bernard Sh aw How often do we hold ourselves back because we fear that moving forward might prove to be too elusive? How often do we avoid taking a risk because the possibility of failure seems too daunting? And how often do we take the path that is readily in front of us rather than taking the less travelled road because it might be too challenging and paved with too many unknowns? Life without risk is a risk- a risk of living a day that is void of opportunities to live a fuller life, a risk of missing a life blessed with purpose and an eagerness for what comes next. I have learned that disappointment can be overrated and that my mistakes can be a source of strength. I have also learned that the absence of errors is not necessarily a hallmark of success but instead it can speak volumes about a reluctance to go out of our comfort zone. Healthcare has benefited from those who have stumbled, but who, when they got up were more determined towards finding promising opportunities for improving life, especially for those most in need. Persistence can be a companion to success and success can be self- defined, but it can also be an invitation to a more promising future.” Fight of My Life – Andrew Schwartz, MD Several years ago, through Facebook, I learned that two of my high school cross country teammates had married and their son had recently been diagnosed with terminal cancer. I followed his journey on Facebook, but after missing the first event in July 2022 due to my knee surgery, the next summer I had the honor of learning more about this impressive young man directly from his mom and dad when I was at their home for a memorial fundraising event. The following overview of his diagnosis was taken from the Tough2gether Foundation website. “Jace had just turned 20. He loved his work preparing for trials in a law firm, taking business classes and making college friends when he had a bit of double vision in the far corner of his eye. An optometrist, a CT and an MRI two days later would confirm what no one expected. Jace had DIPG – 100% fatal upon diagnosis, the most deadly childhood cancer had begun to ravage his body. The kind doctor looked Jace in the eyes. ‘What you have is inoperable, its aggressive, it is cancer in your brainstem. It wil l kill you. It’s not a matter of if, it is more a matter of when.’ With that Jace asked simply, ‘How long do I have?’ The doctor hesitated, Jace continued, ‘I’m not afraid to die, I’m afraid I won’t make an impact before I do.’ The answer hung heavy in the air ‘You have 6 - 9 months.’ What do you do with 6-9 months? How do you spend the time you have? How at age 20 do you even comprehend such a diagnosis?” “Dream as if you'll live forever. Live as if you'll die today.” James Dean

I would encourage you to read the rest of the story on the link below and prepare to be inspired.

Meet Jace - Tough2gether

And then choose to make the rest of your life the best of your life, if for no other reason than out of respect for all of those who don’t even have that opportunity.

“If time actually healed people, no one in the world would be hurting. Time is simply space; what matters is how you use it. If you fill your time intentionally with self-love, letting go, and building the new habits you need, that would make a real difference.” Yung Pueblo

424