For many of us, days come and go, unremarkably blending into one another. That was how it was for me until September 2005 when a day came along that began like all the others, but ended quite differently. It was my first introduction to the notion that life could change on a dime.

Nothing stood out that would have indicated how it would end – I had no signs of illness and remember feeling good and going for a long walk that day. As I was washing the dishes that night, I noticed some sharp pains in my stomach that became increasingly worse. I ignored them, thinking they would go away.

A couple hours later, the pain was unbearable and I was gasping for air. I realized I was in deep trouble and was rushed to the ER. This resulted in a week-long hospitalization where I was haphazardly treated for pelvic inflammatory disease, appendicitis, and almost quarantined for a suspected infectious disease from abroad, among other things. I was subjected to 24/7 drugs and antibiotics, a colonoscopy, endless blood work, x-rays and a variety of ultrasound procedures, inside and out.

The doctors were looking in all the wrong places and I was ultimately diagnosed with pneumonia. There were a few moments when I thought I was taking my last breath and it was a long recovery, as well as a first brush with my own mortality.

Life can change in heartbeat – I truly didn’t understand this in my bones until this experience.

Despite our living as though life will go on forever, it is fragile. I was reminded of this again the other day when reading an eloquent post by my friend Elin Waldal about a young man named Aaron Loy who contracted a virulent form of Meningitis while away at college. I don’t know him personally, his family lives in my community, but his story is one that grabbed me by the heart.

“Three weeks ago he was a freshman at college–off doing what so many of our kids have done, are doing, or one day will. He was working hard. He was playing sports. He was staying fit. He was doing nothing wrong. The thing is Meningitis isn’t something we can see. This strain of it isn’t even one we can vaccinate against right now. It is a silent and at times deadly disease. And what is surprising is how many cases we now are hearing about that have been contracted on college campuses.” Elin Waldal

Unfortunately, the Meningitis led to the amputation of both his lower legs and he is now embarking upon a long road to recovery. His story is a reminder of the delicate balance in which we swing between life and death. As we move further into the new year, create intentions and reflect on what is important, I hope that sharing this might inspire you to support him and his family in whatever way you can.

“Understand that although Aaron may not be your son–really he could be anyone’s child.” Elin Waldal

Ways to help:

HelpHopeLive – In Honor of Aaron Loy

(Tax Deductible)

https://www.bit.ly/HHLAaronLoy

Aaron Loy Recovery Fund
(Gift / Non Tax Deductible)
Pacific Premier Bank
781 Garden View Court, Suite 100
Encinitas, CA 92024

Herein lies the beauty of social media and the internet: the ability to connect. If you can contribute or share his story, there is the beautiful possibility that you will be a part of this young man’s healing journey and amazing future.

#standwithaaron

Blessings and thanks,

-db

Who is Dianna Bonny?

Hi, my name is Dianna Bonny. It’s my mission to candidly share my journey with you. For me, it’s all about the healing: to create a radiant healing energy for others who have befallen a similar fate. Together, we can forge beautiful lives of belonging and connection. Thanks for joining me today! I look forward to hearing from you.