“I used to think when you fell from grace it was more likely than not the result of one stupendous error, or else an unfortunate accident”-A Map of the World, Jane Hamilton, 1994.

My fall from grace and a LifeUpEnded was due to an unfortunate accident, and one stupendous error.

I sincerely regret what happened that night in August 2017. I am thankful it was not a more serious result for the others involved, or myself. I have made a conscious decision to move forward from this unfortunate occurrence, to forgive myself for my part in the matter, and others for theirs, to accept the consequences as a part of my life journey, and to deal with those consequences as yet another of the many challenges I have had to face and overcome over the years.

When something bad happens, you have three choices — you can either let it define you; you can let it destroy you; or you can let it strengthen you. While accepting responsibility for mistake, that night, I’ve chosen to let it strengthen me, and to try and find the blessings in my LifeUpEnded.

As I do my penance, I have come to appreciate so many things previously oblivious to me. To appreciate so many people who were never a part of my new world before but are now. To renewed friendships with many who for whatever reason we drifted apart.

Now being ‘transportationally challenged’ I have also come to really appreciate: the timeliness of the River Valley Transit system, Uber and Lift, friends with cars, my bike, the Riverwalk, and oh yes walking — lots of walking!

I now ‘see’ so much more of the world, when I walk, that I had overlooked before — so many people, who are still so much worse off than I, yet who remain both gracious and kind to the other souls that cross their paths. I am humbled by the many acts of acts of kindness and friendships that I ‘now see.’ It gives me renewed hope in the humanity of man. Perhaps these are some of the reasons that God decided to put this challenge before me — to help me see more.

When your LifeUpEnds you learn who your real friends are, and who just talked a good game. You find forgiveness in some of the most unlikely places, and a lack of forgiveness in places that, for your whole life, you had naturally assumed it would be, should you fall. You learn about the ‘collateral consequences’ of your LifeUpEnded, and you learn to accept and adapt as best you can.

I am not unique in my LifeUpEnded story. I write now and hopefully in the future, to share my journey. Feel free to share yours, if you would like at Lifeupended24@gmail.com. Tell me how your adapting, learning and regrouping from your situation. Tell me what blessings you’ve now found, what strengthens you, what keeps you going day-to-day. I’ll look forward to hearing from you and together to finding a way forward.

LifeUpEnded
By Paul Petcavage