John O’Leary welcomes Marcus Engel on the Live Inspired Podcast to share how he learned to accept his new reality of being blind and was determined to find happiness again.
As a college freshman, Marcus Engel was nearly killed, and was left instantly, totally and permanently blind after being struck by a drunk driver. Through years of rehab, over 350 hours of reconstructive facial surgery and adaptation through a multitude of life changes, Marcus witnessed the good, the bad and the profound in patient care.
Today, Marcus shares his journey of reclaiming his life to find light in the darkest of places, the power of being present during another human’s suffering and his internal struggle of accepting his new reality to find happiness again.
My friends, Marcus’ life is a testament to the enduring human spirit’s ability to rise from the ashes, helping us all to see that with support, presence, and a positive outlook, we can overcome the darkest of times. If you need a reminder that difficult things aren’t something you get over but something you get through, this conversation is for you.
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SHOW NOTES:
- At 18 years old, Marcus was leaving a NHL hockey game when his car was struck by another car that ran a stop light going twice the speed limit. Marcus suffered a LaFort III fracture which instantly, totally and permanently took his ability to see.
- “I had been hurt enough by one individual.” After learning that the driver not only was speeding but had a Blood Alcohol Concentration of more than twice the legal limit, Marcus experienced every emotion including anger, hatred and resentment before understanding how damaging it was to hold onto the grudge.
- I’m here. A 2o-year-old patient care tech named Jennifer continued to deliver the two most compassionate words during the night of the accident.
- “What we would consider small gestures are the most important things.”
- Receiving 350 hours of facial reconstruction, Marcus wasn’t scared to live a life of permanent blindness; he was scared of the continual pain and surgeries.
- Battling insomnia, Bob Dylan’s lyric “negativity don’t pull you through” helped Marcus focus on the positives of life.
- After a year of surgeries, Marcus moved to attend Colorado Center for the Blind to learn how to live independently.
- “Change the things you can and don’t worry about the rest.” In learning to accept his circumstances, Marcus was grateful to have his family, friends and his mind.
- In 2019, Marcus was invited to speak at the United Nations headquarters to a delegation of nurses for International Nurses Day, marking one of his most memorable experiences as a professional speaker.
- Time does heal. And Marcus reminds us that it also takes the willingness to look at reality and that we have the ability to ease the suffering of our world through our presence.
- “Difficult things aren’t something you get over. You get through it.”
- Learn more about Marcus Engel here, and listen to his podcast Compassion & Courage here.
Did you enjoy today’s episode?
You’ll love my conversation with Bill Johnson. More than thirty years ago, Bill Johnson was walking to an Atlanta subway station with two colleagues when his world went dark. A bullet entered one temple and exited the other, leaving him permanently blind. With optimism, honesty + joy, Bill shares his extraordinary journey of learning to navigate in a new, dark world. Hear Bill share how he began to accept his new reality, embrace new ways of doing things and find wholeness and healing in the midst of struggle. Listen to Bill Johnson on ep. 362.
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MARCUS ENGEL'S LIVE INSPIRED 7
- Q. What is the best book you’ve ever read?
A. The Myth of Normal by Gabor Maté. - Q. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today?
A. Hyperactivity. - Q. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be?
A. A lapel pin that was given to my grandfather by my great-grandmother in 1941. - Q. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be?
A. My wife. - Q. What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
A. Change the things you can. - Q. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?
A. Just wait, it gets better. - Q. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read?
A. I have given as much as I received, and that I've been present in every interaction that I have with individuals.
