Bringing Light into Someone Else's Darkness - #WATWB

US Marine Vietnam Veteran Eddie R. Beesley visiting a fellow wounded warrior Welcome to my first post as part of the "We Are The World" Blogfest. You may have noticed that  the world we live in is full of darkness and light. Literally, as in the world turns and the sun's rays strike it or not. Figuratively, when people experience dark periods where they believe no one understands them until they find out otherwise. I'm sharing, with permission, what I know about a person who has seen the world, experienced the darkness, and has decided to bring light into someone else's darkness - sometimes by just listening, being there, or outright showing that others do understand and care.

In his book, Lucky Enough, Eddie R. Beesley describes his life before, during, and after Vietnam. At one point this US Marine was in a very dark place. A special person shared some of their light and made things brighter for him. 

You see, Eddie had just become a double amputee as a result of events best left told by him. Yet he took the light passed to him and made it his business to help others who have lost limbs. After he retired from his enterprise and wrote his story, opportunities eventually presented themselves for him to visit fellow wounded warriors. That was one of his dreams because that's where his heart is at. 

In 2016, Eddie was a guest of The Oak Ridge Boys and was brought on stage. Little did he know that another dream/desire/wish was about to be granted. He was presented with an opportunity via Soldier's Wish to record songs in Nashville. I'm not sure if the album on his website is the result of that or not. I do know that the proceeds from products in the store help make it possible for him to travel around the country and bring light into someone else's darkness. 
 
Below are some links that may be of interest:

Lucky Enough Websites: 

http://www.luckyenough.website/

http://74.220.219.103/~redengin/eddie_beesley.htm

Lucky Enough Facebook Page:

  https://www.facebook.com/LUCKY-ENOUGH-INC-395063970836203

Eddie sharing his story during a Military Writers Society of America event: 
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6AyzIb1eWk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6IkkSoCTABA

Eddie on stage with The Oak Ridge Boys as part of a presentation by Soldier's Wish staff:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQRlanVYc9k

I think Eddie has shown that a little light can go a long way. Please join me in spreading his type of light around the world.  You can begin by visiting my fellow blogfest lead co-hosts for this month: Belinda Witzenhausen,  Simon Falk, Sylvia McGrath, and  Damyanti Biswas . Each of them promise to have stories of positivity to share with the world. If you'd like to learn more about "We Are The World" Blogfest - complete with list of Linky-links - click on the badge below.

Thanks for stopping by and feel free to share a positive comment.

Have a great one!
​
Lynn Hallbrooks
author/founder of Call Sign Wrecking Crew, LLC 
Former USAF Staff Sergeant/Former Health Information Management Specialist Blogfest Badge for We Are The World