O’Connor Buckley
October 17, 2008
I have never been overly comfortable about saying how proud I am about family – can’t have them getting grand notions about themselves now can we ?! But the fact of the matter is that wherever I cast a glance out across the tree I only see people of whom I am extremely proud and who I love dearly. Even those who live abroad and who we see only rarely. Far too rarely actually. Right now I am especially proud of my cousin Louise and her family, and in particular her son O’Connor who in August was riding with his Dad on their motorbike when they had one of those accidents that only happen to other people. Sadly Dad (Paul) was killed and O’Connor seriously injured. But there is a powerful story here of family who have drawn around O’Connor, literally and in prayer, and “virtually” thanks to this blog of O’Connor recording his progress as he slowly mends. Everyone has poured themselves into working O’Connor through this incident but I am very moved as I read this site to see and read all the family (and scores of others) doing what they are doing to help him though. It is a great story of high drama (though I am sure none of them feel that at the moment), humble and giving hearts and amazing love and unselfishness. Though separated by far too much ocean I love them all – and am very proud of them. I am comfortable that you know that!!
Beautiful big brother. I love you and am comfortable to say that. You write so well, expressing feelings with sincerity – where did you learn that from?
xoxox Julie
Wow. What a moving account of a tragic accident and the way a community of family and friends have gathered around to shower this family with love.
Little sister – must have been from you!
O’Connor –
Something like this happened to me when I was younger and I turned it from a negative into a positive.
For some reason, I was meant to have happen exactly what happened, as bad as it was back then, and I made something beautiful out of it and out of my life.
In my personal journey, I was headed in a completely wrong direction and my parents couldn’t stop me. Then all of a sudden I was transformed by an ugly event. I still get angry sometimes about what happened but ALWAYS bless the day it happened because I realized I can be more than a collection of senseless desires.
Keep your chin up and work hard every day.
The singer Donovan Leitch (back in the 60′s when the dinosaurs lived) sings a song called Moon Shadow and the lyrics are:
And if I ever lose my eyes
If my colors all run dry
Yes if I ever lose my eyes
Away – ay ay ay ay, ay ay ay ay
I won’t have to cry no more.
And if I ever lose my legs,
I won’t moan and I won’t beg
Oh, if I ever lose my legs
Away – ay ay ay ay, ay ay ay ay
I won’t have to walk no more.
Did it take long to find me?
And if I ever lose my mouth,
All my teeth, north and south
I asked the faithful light
Yes, if I ever lose my mouth
Away – ay ay ay ay, ay ay ay ay
Yes, did it take long to find me
I won’t have to talk (pause)
By that he meant that no matter what happens you have lots to be proud of in your life and we all need to carry on with or without what we think is important. And he implied that we are all gifted in many ways, and so it is with you. Find the one thing you love and go after it.
Let us know how my wife Cynthia and I can help you and if you ever get to Dallas, Texas we would love to take you to an American Ice Hockey and an American Football game.
Warmest regards,
DrClyde
p.s., Bruce is one of my best friends and there is nothing I wouldn’t do for him. I hope you see that being related to people is more important than anything else.
001-972-335-1331
I have a son who is going through a similar experience. He had a stroke as a result of a motorcycle accident and had a bone flap removedto help with brain swelling.Its been more than 3 years since Daniels accident (he,s 23 now) and he,s been through all that oconnor has.Daniel still has no use of his left hand (he was left handed)but shows great determination to do every thing with his right.If there is anything you need to know( that we might) or that you have tried and we should know please e mail me. Good luck .