“Live life to the fullest.”
“Live each day like it’s your last.”
“Live well. Laugh often. Live much.”
We’ve all heard these sayings and have seen them circulated on those inspirational quote websites. Hopefully, many of us try to follow them every day as we go on about our daily lives.
Then, for a few of us, it happens.
Something will inevitably happen to remind us how precious life is. Like a diagnosis of a terminal illness. Or a funeral. Or in Sarah Nickerson’s case, a car accident that results in brain damage, preventing her from (in her opinion) functioning like a normal human being.
As a high powered Vice-President of HR at a major consulting firm, Ms. Nickerson seemed to have it all: a great home in an upper-class neighbourhood, a supportive husband, 3 wonderful kids, and thriving career. Life for her was fast-paced, busy, yet she seemed very happy to have accomplished everything she had set her mind to.
Then in the blink of an eye, her life changed.
A car accident that damaged part of her brain, which resulted in what’s called “Left Neglect”. An actual condition, Left Neglect made everything in the world on Sarah’s left side (of her body) completely invisible. The story continues with her struggle to cope and adapt to her condition. Her sheer determination to readjust and re-train her brain and body is very admirable.
I read this book because I very much enjoyed Lisa Genova’s first book, Still Alice. The story of Left Neglected is just as compelling as Ms. Genova’s debut novel, and reminds us as readers just how precious life is, and how we can sometimes take life for granted.
We all know this, yet let’s say it again:
Let’s all live life to the fullest and be thankful for all we have. It can all be taken away in the blink of an eye.
We need reminders of this every once in a while – and this book does just that.
Excuse me while I go hug my children and tell them how much I love them. 🙂
The Second Assistant 