I remember the last time I went skiing in Colorado. The snow was perfect, the sky a brilliant blue, and I was exhilarated by the crisp mountain air. On one of my early runs, as I sped toward the lift, I made a sharp stop. But then, in an awkward fall, I used my arms to protect my face from the hard-packed snow. The impact was so intense that I felt my right shoulder pop out of its socket.

Determined not to waste the perfect skiing day, I lay on the snow, grabbed my right arm, pulled it out, and guided my shoulder back into its socket. Remarkably, it worked. I met my friends a few minutes later, kept quiet about my injury, and continued skiing. That night, the pain was excruciating, making sleep nearly impossible.

Back in Austin, I immediately sought professional help. That’s when I met Dr. Dan, a compassionate and attentive physical therapist. He reassured me that my shoulder would heal with time and provided me with key exercises. His warmth, friendliness, and kindness left a lasting impression on me. I saw him again a few months later for a progress check, and his gentle demeanor and encouragement were just as I remembered.

A few months later, I needed to see Dr. Dan again, but his clinic was closed. I learned that he had been diagnosed with cancer. Three years passed, and I found myself watching one of his final videos, one of many where he documented his journey fighting the disease. The cancer had progressed beyond control, and he is nearing the end of his life.

But despite his prognosis, Dr. Dan's calm demeanor, appreciation for life, and good attitude struck me deeply. In his video, he shared a powerful message: "Focus on the light of the world, on the good. There are beautiful, kind people, more than we think."

His words have stayed with me, a beacon of hope and positivity. It’s inspiring. His journey, filled with peace, joy, and gratitude, reminds me to focus on the good in the world. In the face of his own mortality, he teaches a lesson. That even in the darkest valleys, peace and light can be found.

Choose to see the good, the beautiful people, the beautiful moments that make the world a little brighter. The world needs more light. Be a part of it, no matter the circumstances.