The lowest point in my life was the tragic loss of my son to whooping cough. This event plunged me into profound grief and despair.
To add to the heartache, my wife had recently lost her brother in his sleep, which left both of us reeling. We withdrew from the world, cocooning ourselves in sorrow. Despite this, we had three other children and decided to open our hearts and home to three more kids in need—a 7-year-old girl and 1-year-old twins.
Initially, we planned to adopt them, but the state returned them to their biological mother. This bittersweet turn of events was both a blessing and a nightmare.
We decided to embark on a road trip from New York with our children. However, while heading to the airport, my wife experienced a memory loss—perhaps a stroke. Thankfully, her memory returned, and doctors assured us there was no lasting damage. Despite my fears, she boarded the plane.
Our journey led us to become digital entrepreneurs, traveling from New York City to San Diego, then onto Mexico and Canada, never knowing where we would lay our heads each night. It was a period of blissful uncertainty. We sustained this lifestyle for six months before moving to Hawaii for what we thought was a new opportunity. Unfortunately, that promise turned out to be a lie. Yet, we are grateful for that deception, as it empowered us to take control of our lives and live authentically.
Now, we create books, videos, and build companies focused on living intentionally and without regret. Our businesses generate real revenue and meaningful contributions to society. Life is fleeting, and while that may sound cliché, it holds a profound truth. We prioritize experiences over possessions, embracing minimalism as a way of life.
We own our time and our impact on humanity. If you’ve faced a tragedy, consider this: “How can I find meaning and transform this adversity into strength?”
Recently, my son narrowly escaped a serious accident in Hawaii when he was struck by a car. He should have been severely injured, but he emerged unscathed and even participated in a surf contest just last weekend. We continue to move forward without placing blame, instead expressing gratitude for life.
As Sheryl Sandberg wisely stated, “We cannot change what we are not aware of, and once we are aware, we cannot help but change.” If life is difficult for you, embrace it. You were designed to endure challenges.
Here’s a short video we created about living courageously and with intention amidst life’s struggles. For those interested in starting a journey of home insemination, you can explore resources like Make a Mom’s Cryobaby at Home Insemination Kit and learn more about fertility treatments at Intracervical Insemination. Also, consider visiting CDC’s page on infertility for valuable insights.
In summary, life’s trials can lead to profound growth and understanding. By shifting our perspectives and embracing change, we can turn our darkest moments into sources of strength.