Hope for Bryan’s Recovery

It’s 3:00 AM and I’ve finally made time to get back to the passion that started it all (this very blog).  Why am I up at such an odd hour writing?  I couldn’t sleep.

Yesterday I received some bad news about one of my JPMorgan co-workers who became a good friend.  My friend Bryan hit a deer while riding his motorcycle.  He broke his femur and fractured his pelvic bone and right shoulder.  But the worst part is that he’s in a coma and doctors aren’t sure if he will wake up.

I found out when my Mom called me yesterday. Why was my Mom the one to tell me?  Because Bryan was scheduled to start his first day of work at my parents’ company on Monday.

Bryan’s hobbies and passions revolve around big engines: racing, adding more power to his classic Mustang and riding his motorcycle.  He’s been severely injured before which gives us hope that he will recover from this awful accident.

Bryan is 26 and just a month or so behind me in making a career transition to something he is really passionate about; in his case big engines and machines. Both of us enjoyed, appreciated and learned a TON from our jobs at JPMorgan but left to pursue careers at small companies.  It’s tough to jump ship from big safe corporate america yet honorable to want to be around what you love every day.  Both Bryan and I liked the idea of working for small companies because the opportunity for growth is so great and the challenge of wearing many hats is rewarding.

This situation is part of why I’m writing today.  Writing this blog is one of my passions but I’ve been severely neglecting it for a while now.  Sometimes we need a reminder to get back to our core after life’s chaotic over-scheduling gets the best of us.

It gives me peace of mind knowing that Bryan was strong enough to make a positive change in his life and to that he can face the challenges presented to him.  I hope he will take his passion, spirit and energy and channel it toward making a full recovery.

Please send your thoughts, prayers and positive energy Bryan’s way.  It is said that patients who recover from comas often do so because they felt the energy of those around them who were pulling for them.

This story should make all of us stop and think: Am I on the right path and doing what’s best for me right now?