Life, in Perspective Jason Hendrik Esveld

My life journey changed one January morning as I ascended the stairs to my room. An annoying ache had suddenly appeared near my left shoulder, and I was quickly becoming short of breath. At the hospital an hour later, I was diagnosed with a “spontaneous pneumothorax,” a collapsed lung. Although unaware at the time, I was about to embark on a life-changing experience, one that has strongly influenced my character. About a month after being released from the hospital, I suffered two additional relapses, and found myself facing one of my biggest phobias – surgery. A year later, I thought my lung issues were behind me and I focused on moving forward with my life – but my lung had other ideas. Over the next few months, it collapsed an additional five times.

Two years, three surgeries, and multiple chest tubes later, I found myself looking at the world a lot differently. My health issues helped prioritize things in my life in profound ways. After my surgeries, I found myself looking at life in a more positive, appreciative manner; I also developed a higher tolerance level. I realized that I lived a blessed life, and when I recovered I decided to seek out volunteer activities to help those less fortunate than myself. I started helping...