I grew up hearing the Yiddish proverb, “Mann tracht, un Gott lacht” – “Man plans, and G-d laughs.” That adage has new meaning for me, as all my best-laid plans have been upended by my broken hip. I revealed last week about the hard fall in an exercise class that crushed my right hip. In that post, I explored how life’s hardest knocks can be the fuel for some powerful legacy-building lessons. Today, I’ll share some of the ironic “wins” that this painful experience is teaching me.
First, I’m not the center of the universe. Yes, my calendar was full of appointments and trips that had to be cancelled. But the world still kept turning. Life goes on, even as I postpone a slew of meetings. I am learning flexibility, even it’s forced flexibility. All that “important” stuff on my calendar? It’s not that important. Moreover, I’m not that important.
We can postpone most things and still survive. But another lesson is that there’s one thing we shouldn’t postpone—don’t postpone joy. The practical side of Marvin is notoriously guilty of saying no to fun opportunities, such as once-in-a-lifetime trips and experiences. If you think you’ll enjoy those later, think again. When (and if) later comes around, you may be unable to get around like you used to.
Have gratitude for the simple things we tend to take for granted—like a good night’s sleep, a pain-free day, a morning exercise routine that gives you energy. I am longing for all of those right now. When I get them back, my goal is to appreciate them.
Be thankful for all our health care heroes. Doctors and nurses have a hard job. I am amazed at how all my caregivers at Harris Hospital constantly gave their all, bringing positive vibes into my dreary hospital room while juggling a full load of demanding patients. They are doing the work of angels. I give a special shout-out to Dr. Jason Disney in the Harris Hospital Emergency Department. It’s no wonder he was designated as the Harris “Doctor of the Year.” I have never met a more caring human being.
And speaking of caring human beings, I am filled with gratitude for the outpouring of support and concern from so many loved ones. They have showered me with flowers, meals, cards, calls, texts, visits. It’s a reminder that we don’t fly through life solo. We are lifted up by the communities we are a part of. Be intentional about building connections with people. They will be there for you in hard times, and you will likewise be there for them. Of course, the loving care from my wife Laurie is so sky-high I can’t find words that are adequate. My heart bursts with love.
Draw strength from our ancestors. I often emphasize how important it is to pass down stories of resilience, so future generations will know they come from a legacy of strong stock. As I was being wheeled into surgery, I felt that strength from my father Julius Blum, who died 23 years ago but still lives on inside of me. I was channeling a memory when they were wheeling my dad into surgery, and he was remarkably fearless in a fearful moment. I can still hear my father’s words: “Put a nickel in the machine and let it roll.” I repeated those exact words as I was heading into surgery. I knew he was with me, and together — we’ve got this!
And one final (and very practical) lesson: wear the right kind of shoe for your exercise routine. My accident happened because I was wearing a thick-soled HOKA tennis shoe that gripped the floor when I was trying to do a fast side shuffle, causing me to take a flying leap and land smack on my hip. I have learned since that my shoe is great for walking. But for fast aerobic movement, that shoe is no bueno. Now I know.
Even the worst experiences can be the best teachers. These lessons are now not only embedded in my psyche, they are part of the Marvin Blum story and the legacy I’m creating as I journey through the ups and downs of life.
Marvin E. Blum
(P.S. – I’m happy to report that my recovery is going great and I aim to bounce back in record time. I’m trying to earn the right to join the “you can’t keep a good man down” club! )
Marvin Blum in the emergency room with a broken hip, receiving superb care from Dr. Jason Disney, Harris Hospital “Doctor of the Year.”
This caricature depicts Marvin Blum leaving the hospital to start his recovery journey, under the loving care of wife Laurie, the world’s best nurse. The goal is to fight like Superman and recover in record fashion.