Wednesday
WORD — by Diane, The
LESSONS
I am ever so surprised at how the universe sends me lessons, when I am open and
willing to notice.
Last week we were having an in-person client file review and the client was in our office for three days. My co-workers and I have done this drill many times and were well prepared for this meeting.
As we hit the last day of the meeting, I got a call from one of our client’s facilities. There was a catastrophic accident and they wanted me to handle this extremely serious claim. I was complimented by being sought out and insisted upon to take care of this as it continues to be a very critical situation.
The Claimant suffered a severe blow to his head and was rushed to a Level One trauma center. The situation remained touch and go for the majority of the weekend.
However, over the weekend, Mr. Claimant has taken a turn for the better. He started to respond to painful stimulation, could move his head and nod to simple questions. He even tried to get out of bed when his family was there. Despite extensive injuries and being semi comatose, every day he keeps making small improvements.
This was the first time in the 14 years of doing workers’ compensation claims the client asked me to meet personally with the family of the Claimant and have my Field Case Manager, RN, there also.
Meeting with Mr. Claimant's family made this more personal and real to me. I kept holding Mr. Claimant in my higher thoughts and found myself sending him positive energy. I wondered all weekend how he was doing. Each time he crossed my mind I focused on positive thoughts about his recovery.
The primary lesson for me is that the human spirit is dynamic.
Some people have a spirit within that is truly a fighter and wants to live life to the fullest each and every day. Mr. Claimant’s family told me he is going to be a miracle! They believe he will make it. So far he is proving this to be correct. Many would have expired by now, if not from the initial injuries, from the pneumonia that would have set in.
I keep asking: Why do some people overcome serious situations like this, yet others don't? What is it about some people that gives them a spirit which doesn't get down and refuses to be defeated?
I have another claimant from the same client who had a similar type head injury a year ago. She has made a fantastic recovery and is considered at Maximum Medical Improvement. When I talk to her I tell her she is my hero, that she is an example of hope and of a great spirit. She replies that she knew her life changed in a blink of an eye -- but she wasn't going to allow that to take her; she had too much to live for and had no choice but to make the most of her life.
The other lesson in this for me is that life really is too short not to live each day as if it was your last. As some day it will be. I am reminded not to take anything in my life for granted, that each and every day is a gift. It is up to me what I do with it.
What lessons are placed before you? What things are placed in your path to remind you of life being too short not to make the most of it? Are you awake enough to notice?
— © Diane, The
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