Read, Watch or Listen
Stories were sent to us in different formats—Audio, video and written. If you’d like to view stories for any of these formats, use the links below.
Written Stories
Video Stories
Recorded Stories
Share A Story
Do you have a good values-based story to tell? It doesn’t have to be perfect to make a difference in someone else’s life.
Share A Story NowYOU can, too!
I am 68 years old. I have COPD (emphysema) and have been on oxygen for about six years. I have gone about my regular activities'I belong to my local Woman's Club, a book club and two respiratory support groups.
I am out and about, depending on the weather here in Southern California, two or three times a week. If I have no scheduled activity I will go browsing at a local specialty shop or antique store. Sometimes I use the scooters provided by the big box stores and ride around the store for an hour or more.
Imagine my surprise one day when, following one of my browsing expeditions, a woman came up to me as I was enjoying a cup of coffee from the vendor in front of the store. "Excuse me," she said. "I wanted to tell you how much I admire you. I watched you in the store and you were just a joy to see. My aunt is on oxygen and she will hardly even leave the house except for family gatherings. I wish we could get her to get out and be more active, like you are. I think she would feel so much better."
I asked if the woman's aunt had been through pulmonary rehab. When she said no I recommended she talk to her aunt about it and about joining a support group. "Often a person feels alone and different and it helps to meet others with similar problems."
The woman said she wished her aunt could meet me and impulsively I suggested we get together for lunch. That proved to be the first of several visits and I am now pleased to tell you that the aunt has been through rehab (not as hard as she was afraid it would be) and has joined one of the support groups I belong to. She even went on field trips with our group. What a difference it has made in her outlook and in her overall health!
She calls me her role model. Thanks makes me smile for I consider myself unlikely material for a role model. But I told her, and tell anyone else: I did it'you can, too!
Story was submitted anonymously
Read Another StoryGet Connected
Pass It On DownloadsSign Up For Emails
Request Posters & DVD
Build Your Own Billboard
Start Something
Values on Campus! Start something on your College or University campus.
Awards + Recognition
See the awards our TV spots and billboards have received.
| VALUES.COM |
Main Sections |
|
About Us |
Follow Us |
Your Comments
My Mom was a good person who made some wrong choices. One of those choices was smoking. When she was first diagnosed with emphysema she wanted to do what it took to feel better. But, after 10 yrs. of feeling alone and different, she gave up doing anything or going anywhere. I wish she could have known someone like you, who could relate and keep going anyway. You've said what I'm sure Mom would say to others now that she's in heaven. Thank You.
Posted about 3 years ago by Teri C. from Santa Clarita, CA
My dad had emphysema as a result of a genetic issue. He was an inspiration to me as I watched him. He got more involved with yoga and he knew that laughter really was the best medicine. He created a joke hour via intercom at his CPA office, got a hold of all the old comics he enjoyed as a child, called others in his support group from NIH to cheer them up, traveled with my mom and his oxygen tank to many places, took himself to concerts (with a friend and his oxygen) and lived life to the absolute fullest, despite his limitations. When he passed on (20 years ago) the doctor said that he had lived at least two years longer than the doc thought was possible. He loved life, his family and all that is good.
So congrats to you for your positive attitude. May you continue to be an inspiration for those whose lives you touch.
Posted over 3 years ago by Wendy F. from Vermont