Inclusion. The blog for the Center for Disability Studies.

Silver linings

By David Lynch

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silver-lining

While spending time in the hospital this past month to deal with a difficult situation, one of the phlebotomists offered some familiar words of encouragement to help me get through the day:

“In every cloud there is a silver lining.” Then, she provided me with an example.

She noted that she only had to stick me once instead of several times to draw blood from a sensitive part of my hand. And she was right: I am sure sticking me several times would have hurt much more.

For you, the dark cloud may be more serious and difficult than just getting blood drawn. Maybe the cloud is finding out that your chronic disability is getting worse or that your increasing age is taking a toll on your body. Maybe it is the loss of employment or of a special relationship. The cloud may be the loss of a loved one. The cloud may be causing great sadness and even depression. Whatever the situation, there is a silver lining and hope of a better day to come.

Over the years I have been asked how I get through the struggles and difficulties that I face with a chronic and progressive disability. I cling to the faith that I have in God. He provides for every need and provides comfort to face each day. For some of you, clinging to family or something else may be what gets you through the difficult times. It is important for all of us to look to the silver lining and hope of a better day.

When I look to the silver lining I am reminded of the song You Will Never Walk Alone, originally performed in Rogers and Hammerstein’s Broadway play Carousel in 1945, by many artists in the years since, and made famous the world over by Jerry Lewis, who sang the song annually at the Muscular Dystrophy Association telethon.

When you walk through a storm
Hold your head up high
And don’t be afraid of the dark
At the end of the storm
There’s a golden sky
And the sweet silver song of a lark

Walk on through the wind
Walk on through the rain
Though your dreams be tossed and blown

Walk on walk on with hope in your heart
And you’ll never walk alone
You’ll never walk alone

As we enter a new year, it is important to remember that when the clouds of difficulties and struggles come our way, we need to look to the silver lining and have hope that there is a better day to come.

About the Author

David Lynch was a member of the executive committee of CDS’s Community Advisory Council. He passed away in March, 2016.

As a self-advocate, David brought a personal perspective to navigating the disability community and was passionate about seeking improvements for persons with disabilities.

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