A Radiant Spirit

Is anyone familiar with the Turia Pitt story?  I wasn't until just a few days ago when someone shared a link on Facebook.  In September of 2011, Turia was running an ultramarathon in Australia when she became trapped in a bush fire.  She suffered burns on more than 60% of her body and even had to have fingers amputated.  The damage to her body was extensive and her recovery entailed countless operations and extensive therapy.  The doctor's have referred to her as a medical miracle as she now is able to live an active lifestyle as she had before... running, hiking, and biking.

I cannot image the physical pain that this young woman endured and probably still does.  What is even more unimaginable is the mental anguish that she endured as well.  What she accredits to her recovery both physical and mental... is her family and friends.  Their support helped willed her to use her positive energy to not give up.  Even more than that, she has used that positive attitude to be thankful for her life.  Instead of feeling pity for herself, she feels that she is lucky and blessed and doesn't want others to feel pity for her either.  Turia is now a motivational speaker and an activist.  

It is a story like this that captures a person's inner radiance.  And despite all of the scars, I can't help but to see a beautiful person on the outside when I see pictures of her.  She has inspired me to not feel pity for her, but the feel too that she is lucky for this new life that she has.  She has found a deeper purpose and has regained a quality of life too.  She also just got engaged!!! to someone who may have an even more radiant spirit than hers.

Turia's fiance is the same boyfriend that she had since before the fire, before the burns, before the change of Turia's physical appearance.  He was there through it all... the very worst and the deepest of the lows.  Turia says that he was her inspiration and he never stopped believing in her even when she couldn't believe in herself.  He is a very handsome man, but to be even more beautiful on the inside... she is a lucky lady.  They both are and I wish them all the best in health and happiness as they continue their lives together.  

To read more about Turia's story you can read it here on Australia's Women's Day or just Google Turia Pitt.  

Peter Lik's "Phantom"(above)  and "Ghost" (below)
I found these to be appropriate for this post, "A Radiant Spirit."