Why is it that we don’t embrace the good days in our life to the same extent that we complain about the bad days? Chances are that when you walk through the hectic halls after class, you’ll hear more dreary complaints than peppy compliments. We don’t embrace our fortunate days in life until an event takes our heart. It’s easy to be negative as it takes no effort. To be positive sounds so simple, until it is your only option to make it through the day.
Imagine right now as you read this, that the roof fell on you and you couldn’t move. Would you fight to crack a smile, or would you grieve in a pool of worry?
Let me introduce to you, Anthony Rizzo.
That’s exactly how his dad described it when he heard that his son, Anthony, was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. The news drained the hearts of Anthony’s closest circle. Just 6 months prior, Anthony was drafted by the Boston Red Sox and met his expectations by batting .385 during his first season in the minor leagues. He spent his life envisioning his dream of becoming a major league player, just for life to take it away.
The fight was on, but like any great fight, not alone.
Despite not being on the major league roster, Anthony Rizzo was invited to Fenway Park by general manager Theo Epstein. Here as an 18 year old, Anthony was guided by a world renounced pitcher who happened to be a cancer survivor himself, Jon Lester. Lester calmed Anthony by sharing his experiences and giving him hope that he would one day return to the field. Six months of chemo therapy later, Anthony received the call that we was in remission. His strength was restored in his heart, and his bat returned to his hands. A fightback that went above and beyond being cured. Anthony wanted to keep in the fight to assist current patient who needed someone to restrain their pain.
After joining the Chicago Cubs in 2012 along with Jon Lester and Theo Epstein, Anthony earned three all-star appearances, 215 home runs, and one ever so important World Series championship. Anthony made his dream a reality, but he would be the first one to tell you that these weren’t his key accomplishments. In the spirit of giving, Anthony began the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation in 2012 to fight with the kids enduring that agony of fear. The foundation began “Walk-Off to Cancer,” a 5k in which all proceeds support childhood cancer patients. In just its 7th annual year in 2018, the event raised $1.1 million dollars. A statistic that may not appear in the player bio of Anthony on ESPN; however, a statistic that captures the heart Chicago and the sprawling support it will bring to families wanting to see their loved one live out their dreams.
At the end of our day we must surround our hearts with thankfulness instead of complaints. Life will strike in unexpected ways, we have all been there, but no matter the situation we can find our fight. There will be times where can’t seem to get ourselves back on our feet, that’s when your loved ones will be there to push back up. Often times our love for our families isn’t so explicit because we see them everyday. Make sure your love for others is known when they expect it the least. Like Anthony and Jon, find someone who is fighting that fight with you. A bond between two broken pieces is the strongest type of bonds, so don’t let anything settle within. As always never count yourself out, the ones who face adversity early and often, will stick out from the rest as long as you cherish it being in your recipe.
Positivity is a drug