Shining Brightly

Ay buh!

So it's saturday, and I'm usually here prepping for the week overlooking numbers, editing coverage from the past week and then one out my many notifications pop off with a mention. I hit it thinking it's probably another ratchet video or meme someone submitting to us, but this time it was something that really brought a smile to my face.

The original post itself circulated about 30 shares on Facebook, but we are hoping this reaches even further with our platform. It's good to know there is still some great things and good hearts still on this island. Anyway, I'm rambling check the story yourself in his Mr. Hayward's own words. 

"I am blessed to have met so many people from so many parts of the world. Today I met one of the most incredible persons which has greatly humbled me. Meet Dr. Christopher Pendergast. He has ALS and is a founding member of ALS Ride For Life. I noticed him on Wednesday coming of the ferry in Hamilton in his wheel chair as you see him in the photo. (He was a visiting cruise ship passenger) I later observed him making his way along Front Street during our Harbour Nights' Festival. All I could think was that this man really wanted to visit Bermuda. I went to bed that night with this man's determination on my mind. Then Friday while busking at the Clock Tower Mall, the doors opened in front of me and in he rolled. I was determined to know about him for reasons that some of you might understand. I watched him role down the corridor out of sight. Then I noticed the lady who was accompanying him walking by herself and I abruptly stopped playing and got her attention to enquire about him and his illness. I was totally blown away. Our lives somehow mirrored each other's with the difference being that his situation was known to be fatal. After sharing my story with the lady who happened to be his care giver and expressing that I wish I had met him, she went to catch up with him as he had already left the mall for the ship. To my amazement, the doors in front of me opened twenty minutes later and in he rolled. A special trip back to the mall to meet me. I was sooo humbled. We had a great chat, I gave him one of my CD's, we listened together, at his request, to the song "I get by with a little help from my friends." In his condition he has done so much for others affected by ALS, raised millions of dollars for the cause and lived with the illness years beyond the expectancy and longer than others diagnosed with ALS. If you would like to know more about ALS and or Dr. Christopher Pendergast, there is a FB page under ALS ride for life. God puts people in our spaces for particular reasons. I understand better now. Please include Dr. Christopher Pendergast in your prayers and remember that no matter how bad your situation might be, there is some one worse off than you. On the other hand, adjust your attitude and do the things in life that you have always wanted to do should the opportunity present it's self. As long as there is life in your body, there are things that you can do to make a difference for yourself and others. Thank you Dr. I hope I can meet him again." - Wendell "Shine" Hayward