An Incident That Changed My Perspective on Life

Dear LinkedIn Community,

Today's post isn't technical. In fact, it's deeply personal and carries a message that I believe is important for all of us to hear and reflect upon.

Last Sunday, my life was rocked by a tragic event. My brother was involved in an accident – a hit-and-run, to be precise, caused by an auto driver. I recently left my job, and without a steady source of income, we didn't have insurance to cover the ensuing medical expenses. Our background as farmers meant that weekends are usually our respite, but this particular one would be anything but relaxing.

When the accident happened, bystanders and passersby were quick to draw out their phones, capturing the horrific scene in videos that they later disseminated. Yet, not one person stepped forward to truly help. It took us two hours to learn about the accident, and by the time we reached the spot, we were faced with the grim task of finding a hospital to treat my severely injured brother.

Being a Sunday, many hospitals were unwilling to admit him given the severity of his injuries. When we finally found one that would, another challenge arose: he needed blood, specifically A+ which, on that day, proved hard to come by.

Why am I sharing this on LinkedIn, a platform for professionals? Because the incident taught me something profound about humanity. There are two kinds of people in the world: those who'll go out of their way to support others, and those who, for various reasons, will turn a blind eye or even contribute to the chaos.

Blood, unlike many things, cannot be manufactured. It's a gift that only humans can give to one another. Prior to this incident, I admit, I was one of those hesitant to donate. But having seen the dire need firsthand, my perspective has completely changed.

During the week-long hospital ordeal, I encountered numerous families, all grappling with the aftermath of accidents. The pain, both physical and emotional, that these events cause is immeasurable. Sometimes, I feel we've forgotten our core nature: that before anything else, we are humans.

Yet, amidst all the despair, I also witnessed immense kindness. Many people, upon hearing about our predicament, arrived at the hospital to help, showcasing the best of humanity.

It breaks my heart to think about the countless women, particularly in less educated parts of my hometown, who bear the brunt of such tragedies. Many of these accidents are a result of drunk driving. Even after such a traumatic experience, some perpetrators never mend their ways, leaving these resilient women to pick up the pieces.

This brings me to a crucial point: self-reflection. Which side of the divide do we find ourselves on? Are we the helpers, the onlookers, or those who choose to look away because we're preoccupied with our lives?

Following this harrowing incident, I've made a personal commitment to donate blood regularly. I realize now, more than ever, the critical difference a single donation can make during life-threatening emergencies. If my contribution can potentially save a life, or at the very least, provide some relief in a desperate situation, then it's a responsibility I willingly take on. The change we often seek in the world must begin with ourselves, and this is my first step towards making a tangible difference.

#BloodDonation ?

I want to end this by expressing my deepest gratitude to all the women who've endured pain and suffering due to accidents. You are the unsung heroes of these narratives, and your strength is commendable.

Let's all remember to be more human, more compassionate, and more understanding. Our time here is limited, and how we impact others' lives defines our legacy.