What is your definition of success? In this politically divisive season, we are so very focused on "The American Dream". We are so often told about "fairness", as if such a thing exist. We are bombarded by excuses. Reason to not become the person we really want to be. Because we're a certain color, race, creed whatever. These are crutches. Oh, you're poor, so I can help you. Oh, you're unemployed, so I can help you. Let's take Amanda's example... be who you are, do what you love and LIVE! Find your talent and use it. Do it. Be it. Live it.
Was it a revelation to you that Amanda had Cystic Fibrosis? Maybe so. Did she tell everyone she knew that she had CF? No way! For Amanda, CF wasn't who she was or her biggest liability to her success. She saw youth, inexperience and cash as her greatest drawbacks to success. These really didn't stop her either. She did everything and tried everything that ever piqued her interest. She was a first class wedding photographer and shot a country music video completely solo. It was excellent, by the way.
Amanda married a great guy, and traveled to places Veronica and I only hope to one day see. She never let CF be the reason she didn't do what she wanted to do. Many would say that she didn't have a full life, because she died so young. Amanda knew from a very young age that she would not live as long as many of us will. There's really no guarantee as to how long any of us will live, but to say Amanda didn't have a full life, would be a lie. She lived, and she was a success. All on her own terms. What a model for those who fill their lives with lame excuses as to why they can't live their dreams.
Amanda's key to success... just be you, find what you love and pursue it, don't let anything be a crutch as that may disable you, and LIVE!
Amanda continues to live, but in a different dimension (Heaven). This afternoon, while traveling to visit one of our daughters, I Can Only Imagine by Mercy Me came on the radio. Our family loves to sing, but it was hard, because Veronica and I were crying. It's so relevant to us, as we CAN only imagine. Being reunited with Amanda as we're united with our Saviour.
Amanda loved winning, and she always won. We can hardly wait to see her again, and hear all the stories she has to share about Heaven, and see all the Heavenly crowns she wears as her reward for being a winner. We can only imagine...
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