Thought of the Day
The measure of a man is the way he bears up under misfortune.
- Plutarch
Hector Picard is a pretty remarkable guy.
When he was in his early 20′s, Hector was involved in a horrible work related accident that nearly claimed his life. Despite being electrocuted by 13,000 volts of electricity, he cheated death and survived. Unfortunately his arms did not. Both were so badly damaged that they had to be amputated – one just below the shoulder and the other just below the elbow.
The accident robbed him of his arms, but not his zest for life. Hector decided that regardless of his misfortune, there were exciting adventures to pursue. New chapters to be written. Sure, adjustments had to be made. But he determined that he wouldn’t stop living.
And live he does. I admire people who start new chapters in their life, particularly through hardship. Second chances intrigue me.
Hector is making the most of his second chance at life. Apart from leading a relatively normal life, he currently competes in triathlons. Yes, triathlons. How’s that for not feeling sorry for yourself or making excuses?
Next Friday, May 25, 2012 in conjunction with the I Will Foundation, he’ll begin a bike ride from Fort Lauderdale, FL to New York City. He’s doing it to raise awareness and to send a message on several levels: Disabilities don’t have to rob you of life. Don’t let excuses hinder you. Challenges are meant to be overcome. Don’t stop living.
He’s filming a documentary of his journey. He also needs financial support to help him accomplish his symbolic ride. You can check it all out at his website: www.dontstopliving.org. Spread the word.
On a personal note, Hector came into my life when he became my kid’s stepdad. I’ve mentioned before that I try to keep things with my former wife as drama free as possible. As a result, I’ve come to be friends with Hector – after all, we all have an important role in raising Sophie and Alex. It takes a village to raise a child, and I’m lucky to have a guy as cool as Hector play an integral role in that village.
If you have a few more minutes, check out more of Hector’s story in this mini-documentary. Apart from a super cute cameo by my kids around minute 5:00, I imagine you’ll be inspired by Hector’s story. Enjoy.
Thank you for taking the time to write this great story about Hector and for spreading the word about his journey to New York. We appreciate your support – spreading the word is the key to getting his documentary completed. It’s going to be an amazing story!
Of course. It’s a fantastic story….I can’t wait to see it on the big screen!
Jeremy, it is very admirable of you to share this amazing and personal story, it gave me goosebumps and needless to say “How cute are your kids?
This reafirms that “When there’s a will, there’s a way”.
You hit the nail on the head, Izebel – Where there is a will, there is a way. Thanks for your comment.
Amazing! The sky is the limit if you are willing to fight to get there…I agree with Izebel’s comment “when there is a will, there is a way”.
No doubt. A lot of lessons here that we can take away and apply in our own lives.