A Big Black Thing in the Sky

One of the recent stories posted on LemonSpark is about Dr. Dan Gottlieb. Dr. Gottlieb, a psychologist, was in a car accident when he was 33 years old that left him paralyzed from the waist down. The last thing he remembers about the accident is a "big black thing in the sky."

In telling his story, he states that we are all hit by a "big black thing in the sky" at some point in our lives. It could be a "lump," or a spouse saying "goodbye." Dr. Gottlieb does not view his "black thing" as any different than another person's "lemon." To him, it still causes suffering. And suffering is suffering.

I want those who are suffering right now to hear from people like Dr. Gottlieb. Stories like his offer hope. Dr. Gottlieb states that his soul is at peace, even though he will never walk again (and he is now in his 50s!). What can help a person overcome that black thing in the sky is providing him or her with an opportunity to help - showing him or her that they still have value. That is what saved Dr. Gottlieb. That is what can save all of us.

The dilemma of sharing LemonSpark stories

I recently shared my story in Brava Magazine and on the "Someone You Should Know" series on Channel 27 in Madison, Wisconsin. Part of me feels as though sharing my story is very personal and wonders if it serves as a distraction from who I am now. But, another part of me feels as though sharing my story is empowering, not only for me, but for the people who hear it, particularly those who are going through a rough time right now.

A friend said to me recently that my story demonstrates strength and how I pulled through a difficult time, rather than give up. That is a wonderful message to share with others around me, especially my young children. So, when in doubt about sharing your story, think of how others might view you as strong and capable, which is definitely who you are today!