In general, I hate people. I hold myself to a very high standard and when others can’t or don’t follow suit, disappointed doesn’t quite reach the level of adjective I tend to reach for. Then something happens that changes everything, puts it all in perspective, and in a moment nothing is the same. Life is funny like that.
Tuesday night our good friend John Walker was involved in a horrific accident while leaving his second home, the music studio, to be with his wife and children, and at this time he remains in a coma and in critical condition at the Baylor ICU. Hearing any kind of news like this is shocking, but to have it strike so close to home and within your inner circle is devastating. How does the universe allow something like this to happen to such an amazing person? I was numb, angry, I hated people even more, and I didn’t want to acknowledge it. The normally emotionally stalwart C shed tears, and I’m not ashamed to admit I cried.
But then something started to happen. Word spread. My Facebook feed lit up, exploding not with informal half ass condolences some might expect, but truly inspiring and emotional outpourings of love, energy, and support. Having the privilege of getting to know John since moving to Dallas it was however no surprise. You may not have met him yet, but he is already your friend, and one that you could count on for anything. Soon friends, friends of friends, acquaintances, business contacts, even people he never directly met were mobilizing, coming together to offer anything and everything they could, and I am absolutely humbled by the response. A donation page was set up and within 24 hours $13,500 had been raised to assist John and his family through this trying time, with many additional benefit events in the works. Even more importantly a Facebook group 900 strong has people pledging and scheduling to help with the kids, house cleaning, cooking, transportation, and anything else to help the family keep focused on John and his recovery. To be sure, he has a long road ahead, but he WILL get there with the kind of support he has.
Live life, love and be loved, smile, and surround yourself with good people.
I’m both honored and proud to know John and so many other good people here. He is an inspiration, as is the overwhelming outpouring of support that I have borne witness to.
For anyone who would like to contribute please visit: http://www.gofundme.com/2for2w
