Sometimes, it’s how we look upon the details of our lives that makes the BIGGEST difference.
You may not believe this while carrying the world’s burdens upon your shoulders, but YOU HAVE THE POWER to define your own reality.
If you are being unbearably challenged by caregiving, the following by Ed Foreman [2/1/2021 TCV UPDATE: Ed Foreman’s website URL has been “undergoing scheduled maintenance” and has been unavailable for weeks.] should inspire you to look more creatively and even humorously at the life you’re leading at the moment.
It Ain’t What Happened It’s How you Reflect On What Happened!
An amateur genealogical researcher discovered that her great-grand uncle, Lawrence Singleton, a fellow lacking in character, was hanged for horse stealing and train robbery in Tennessee in 1889.
The only known photograph of Lawrence Singleton shows him standing on gallows. On the back of the picture is this inscription: Lawrence Singleton; horse thief, sent to Tennessee Prison 1885, escaped 1887, robbed the Tennessee Flyer six times. Caught by Pinkerton detectives, convicted and hanged in 1889.
After cropping and editing out the gallows from Lawrence’s picture with image processing software, the following amended biographical sketch was added to the reverse of the “new” old photograph:
“Lawrence Singleton was a famous rancher in early Tennessee history. His business empire grew to include acquisition of valuable equestrian assets and intimate dealings with the Tennessee railroad. Beginning in 1883, he devoted several years to service at a government facility, finally taking leave to resume his dealings with the railroad. In 1887, he was a key player in a vital investigation run by the renowned Pinkerton Detective Agency. In 1889, Lawrence Singleton passed away during an important civic function held in his honor when the platform upon which he was standing collapsed.”
Now, using Lawrence Singleton’s adapted life story as an example, how can you change the way you look at a challenging time in your life?
If you can spare another minute, read A Most Unusual Introduction. [2/1/2021 TCV UPDATE: Ed Foreman’s website URL has been “undergoing scheduled maintenance” and has been unavailable for weeks.]
Talk about dodging obstacles. Unbelievable!
Brenda Avadian, MA (with thanks to Ed Foreman)
Alzheimer’s / Dementia Caregiver, Expert Spokesperson, Coach, and Author
Editor, TheCaregiversVoice monthly Newsletter
Backstory
The Caregiver’s Voice got word of It Ain’t What Happened It’s How you Reflect On What Happened! After asking Ed Foreman for permission we had to share it with you. [2/1/2021 TCV UPDATE: Ed Foreman’s website URL has been “undergoing scheduled maintenance” and has been unavailable for weeks.]
Ed’s response was also worthy of sharing. (He gave us permission to share that too!)
Thank you, Brenda, for your thoughtful note and kind comments. We are complimented that you found the story on our website to be useful and inspirational and would be pleased for you to share it with your subscribers.
Your interest and friendship are sincerely appreciated. If we may be of assistance or service, please let us know. Have Faith, Keep Smiling, and Stay TERRIFIC!
Ed Foreman
