Читать книгу unDIAGNOSED - Randy Beal - Страница 6

I had a dream on September 2, 2006, in which I saw the Sears Tower on TV. A huge white blanket draped one side of this Chicago landmark and helicopters flittered on and off the screen. Something BIG was happening, and I felt compelled to be there.

The next instant, I was there, in a wheelchair, being pushed up the last few internal steps of the Tower onto the roof. Now I realized what the hub-bub was all about. Chicago Mayor, Richard Daley, was perched on the ledge of the building, about to throw himself over.

I knew I had to do something so I began talking to him. He told me that he had just been diagnosed with cancer and wanted to end his life. What better way for Chicago’s mayor to make a grand exit than off the side of the iconic Sears Tower? I don’t remember exactly what I said to Mayor Daley to talk him out of it. Perhaps I told him things I imagine you would tell a person about to leap off a building. Things like: “You don’t have to jump. You have so much to live for. You can beat this; many people do.”

Whatever it was, it worked. He left the ledge, crisis averted, and I was elated. I had saved the life of the mayor of Chicago! I turned to see droves of people lined up to jump next and for multitudes of reasons. One at a time, I talked each one off the ledge and continued to do so until I woke abruptly, wide-eyed and marveling at how vivid the dream had been.

I’m not normally a vivid dreamer, and I’ll certainly never forget this one. In many ways, the dream captures my purpose in writing this book. I want to be able to help people, no matter their social standing or background, who have reached a similar point of despair, no matter the reason. I want to be able to share my story in hopes that something I have to say will spark renewed hope and the will to go on. I've talked myself off the ledge many times. Now I want to help you do the same.