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Summary

A story of resilience and unyielding determination, this episode takes you through incredible challenges—being shot, facing life-changing amputations, and ultimately finding purpose and joy beyond adversity. Learn how a refusal to give up transformed not just a life but inspired a movement to overcome setbacks with courage and positivity.

To contact Antonio T. Smith Jr.

https://www.facebook.com/theatsjr

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Antonio-T.-Smith-Jr/author/B00M3MPVJ8

https://www.linkedin.com/in/antoniotsmithjr

https://antoniotsmithjr.com

https://www.instagram.com/theatsjr

 

1. Life Events and Challenges

• Early Life:
• Moved to Arizona in 1959 due to mother's health condition (rheumatoid arthritis).
• The move helped her stay on her feet for another 30 years.
• 1985 Incident:
• Shot accidentally by a child playing with a rifle, leading to severe injuries.
• The bullet shattered the spleen and entered the backbone.
• Health Complications:
• 20 years after losing the spleen, contracted an illness in 2005 leading to amputations.
• Hospital Experience:
• Faced pressure from medical professionals to sign a Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR) order for Jeff.
• Refused to give up, inspired by a poem that said "don't give up."

2. Determination and Overcoming Adversity

• Advocacy for Jeff:
• Convinced a reluctant surgeon to operate on Jeff despite risks.
• Jeff survived the surgery but woke up without hands and feet.
• Proposed marriage to her in June 2005, shortly after the ordeal.
• Life After Amputations:
• Received encouragement from former colleagues and visitors to use the experience positively.
• Returned to teaching full-time less than eight months after the surgery.
• Embraces a philosophy of focusing on what can be done rather than limitations.

3. Motivational Messages and Life Philosophy

• Living Fully:
• Encourages others not to "pile up empty yesterdays" and to live actively.
• Believes one must "get a new you" to have a new year.
• Emphasizes patience and the idea that success is a process, not an instant result.
• Self-Trust and Personal Growth:
• Urges people to trust their intuition and follow their own path.
• Uses the analogy of a two-lane road with speed bumps to describe staying true to one’s direction.
• Highlights the importance of taking action, not just thinking about ideas.

4. Inspirational Quotes and Analogies

• "The Music Man" Reference:
• Cites the quote: "If you pile up enough tomorrows, all you'll find is a bunch of empty yesterdays."
• Compass Metaphor:
• Suggests trusting one’s own compass to guide toward goals and dreams.
• Emphasizes the need to cut a new path that aligns with personal values.
• Cliff Analogy:
• Compares facing challenges to hanging from a cliff, where the focus should be on strengthening one’s hold rather than fearing the fall.

5. Personal and Community Impact

• Encouragement from Peers:
• Colleagues pushed for a timeline for returning to work instead of opting for disability.
• Positive Influence:
• Believes in helping others through sharing his story and experiences.
• Sees life as full of wonderful people and opportunities yet to be discovered.

6. Faith and Purpose

• Belief in Divine Purpose:
• Does not believe that God caused his hardships but feels kept alive for a reason.
• Commitment to Helping Others:
• Focuses on contributing positively to others and encouraging them to overcome challenges.

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