My son has been through hell lately. Not for the first time and, life being what it is, probably not for the last. As some will know he faced a major challenge in 2009 when he was stabbed through the brain and left for dead in an alley. His determination to heal on all levels has been astonishing to watch and never more so than now. As he grows a beard to match that of his hero, he has written his thoughts to share. With great pride, I re-introduce my son, Nick Verron.
Well, hello again. I’ve had a major realisation and really felt the urge to share. It has completely changed the way I look at life 🙂
I’ve just been through the most terrible experience in my life. If you imagine how bad it was when my world collapsed following my attack, that was preferable to what I’ve just endured. But from it has come something amazing 🙂
Every time I go through something terrible and am convinced that’s the most extreme pain you could possibly feel, life goes and proves me wrong! When you’re on your death bed though, bet you will be glad you didn’t fast forward. Even though it’s not nice at the time, you could not possibly FEEL more hurt. You have to be alive to feel anything. Also, you have to know the really bad to appreciate how good something is by comparison.
I can’t really say what I’ve just been through. Suffice it to say that it tore my heart and soul to sheds and at the time, I really couldn’t see how any good could ever come of it. However, the biggest life lesson I’ve learned so far is yet to come.
“Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one”. Marcus Aurelius
I know in myself that I have been the best man I can be. I now truly love who I am and what I have done. The freedom that gives you is unparalleled!
Pain does force us to learn life lessons we wouldn’t choose to learn, but that gives birth to the best things that happen to us. A good example is being stabbed in the brain. Sounds crazy? Well ‘every action has an equal and opposite reaction’. The attack, on face value, seemed to ruin my life. But from such a dark deed came the fact I was forced to suddenly appreciate everything which I had to earn. If life is getting you down and there seems no light at the end of the tunnel, do not let the seemingly unending darkness change who you are. Letting little unimportant things slide is fine as long as you just stay true to who you are deep down. Just remember, you’re due for an opposing good reaction. The worse the bad, the better the good. It may not be obvious as the relationship is often obscure, but the good could have started already, you just might not be aware of it yet…..
How can you stay true to yourself when in a situation that envelopes your entire existence? Things can seem fine on the surface and your head tells you logically everything’s OK. However, that niggly feeling in your gut says something’s wrong. To stay true to yourself, always pay attention to that feeling. NEVER, under any circumstances, dismiss it!
“Always trust your gut. It knows what your head hasn’t yet figured out “.
I’ve recently been recording these feelings. In hindsight, these feelings somehow knew way more than should’ve been possible. I don’t know how. So if you ever have that niggly feeling, your gut may have worked something out that your head has not. To interpret these feelings though you have to be COMPLETELY honest with yourself. Your gut is your best friend. It is your soul, and your soul ultimately wants what’s best for you.
Another quote that I feel the need to share is :
” Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth.” Marcus Aurelius (my hero!)
What is “the truth”? We make our own truths, based on opinions and perspectives. What “the truth” is to one person, may not be the truth to the next. Everyone’s truth may share similarities, or it may be completely different – but it’s YOURS. To stay true to yourself, you need to bear in mind that your truth is constantly evolving and can even completely change direction in an instant. Have conviction in the belief of your current truth about your life, and it can grow as you feed it opinions through your perspective. Every experience, good and bad, moulds your personal truth and subsequently who you are. Be grateful for ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING that’s happened to you – if one tiny thing had happened differently, your truth would not have formed to be what it is, and you wouldn’t be who you are now.
Thank you for reading.
Nick
Sue Vincent's Daily Echo 
My dear friend, it pains me that yet again life has given you such a mountain to climb but it’s ní surprise to find you a top looking down to the world with a radiant glow. I take great measure in reading your words and hold them close to my heart and mind as I struggle through the changes in my life once again a well. My brother you are an inspiration and brilliant man.
Your friend
Benjamin
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On Nick’s behalf, thank you Benjamin
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Absolutely it’s truly how I feel he’s an amazing young man and your an amazing mother.
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Thank you, Ben.
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Oh, Nick, I had a horrible feeling something was wrong – but did not wish to flag it up lest I was imagining things. I am so sorry to hear that, once again, you have been going through it. My heart goes out to you. What a wonderful piece of writing, however: the bit about listening to gut feelings is especially poignant – and, had I done so myself, I could have avoided at least some of the turmoil surrounding me at the moment.
I do think your beard is great – and it calls to mind something about hair I read in someone else’s blog recently: that part of its purpose is to connect us to the fibres of the universe, the inner, to enhance our capacity as Seers. How very appropriate.
Love, hugs and looking forward to seeing you soon – oh, and multiple hugs to the dear Hobbit too, of course! Ali xxx
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The hibbit refuses to grow a beard. Period. 😉
Nick is reading comments, Ali … thank you on his behalf. xxx
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Every mountain has a summit to reach. Your power lies in honesty, admit without reservations when you have erred and the rewards will overpower you thus presenting a new challenge – the challenge to remain humble.
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Thats a challenge we face with every success
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Inspirational. Marcus Aurelius is my hero too 🙂 I first discovered him, aged 13, when I hid at the back of the school library when I skived off class to avoid bullying xx
You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.
Marcus Aurelius
Adapt yourself to the things among which your lot has been cast and love sincerely the fellow creatures with whom destiny has ordained that you shall live.
Marcus Aurelius
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Thank you Morgy 🙂 xx
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To Nick Vernon,
You are an exceptional human being who has proven that even when the worst, most unimaginable crime befalls you; you didn’t up with a hardened, bitter shell around you.
Instead, your words are full of great wisdom, allowing the average person to see the good and expect it will find you.
I am working on a book and I would love you to contribute to it. You would make it truly great.
Paulette Le Pore Motzko
Totally Inspired Mind
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On Nick’s behalf, thank you Paulette
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It is a Triple Win as I see it. Nick can add a whole new dimension to my book. He will give hope to millions with it. His wisdom combined with mine should give the world a nice gift, or make society just a bit brighter and hope filled, kind of like lighthouses looking over the sea.
Paulette L Motzko
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I will speak to him, Paulette. Thank you.
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Reblogged this on Totally Inspired Mind… and commented:
When you read Nick Verron’s courage and hope-filled words, even after experiencing extraordinary pain and suffering, you will know there is a GOD.
GOD EXISTS inside amazing hearts and in the SOUL of Nick Verron.
Paulette Le Pore Motzko
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Such wisdom and courage combined, Nick. Thank you so much for sharing. I shall be reading more Marcus Aurelius as well.
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Nick passes on his thanks, Pete.
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such power and grace
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Thank you Paul.
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Such courage and wisdom – awesome. I’ll try to remember this when I find myself sweating the small stuff and fussing over ridiculous, insignificant things.
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Thank you Lizzy, from Nick.
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Nick – and Sue too – I am extremely heartened to read this! And you’re right, Nick – always trust your gut – it was in fact on the tv news this week – the way to know whether a person is lying is to go with your first, gut reaction to what they are saying – don’t think it over, go with your instinct. And the same is true in photography – gut feelings often produce great images!
Nick, I wish you strength and good fortune! Adrian
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Nick sends his thanks Adrian
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nick, you have a maturity and acceptance in your voice that many, much older than yourself never attain. you have been through so much and continue on, proving that you are stronger than all of the outside forces combined. bravo to you and may life become easier for you from this point on,
best, beth
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Very well said, I am very sorry to hear about what happened to you. I have been through a similar experience recently whlie at work driving Taxi. I was attacked by three people high on drugs looking for their next fix, I was lucky they didn’t have weapons or things would have turned out much differently. I have seen and been through more, as i’m sure you have, than I care to mention. As awful as it has been I am a different person because of everything i’v been through. I’m stronger than i’v ever been and I think i’m a better person now than ever before. Good luck to you. Peter
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On behalf of my son, Thank you, Peter. These things, as he says, either destroy us or make us stronger… he chose the latter 🙂
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Very well said. I have recently been through a similar ordeal and it has changed me. I stop and smell the roses now, i’m much more tolerant of things that in the past would set me off, it’s hard to say thanks to 3 thugs that tried to kill me but, thanks, you have changed my life forever. I only wish most people could feel this way without something awful happening to them before they wake up. I feel we are the lucky ones for being chosen to handle such a tramatic experience. I forgive the people that hurt me, I wonder if they can forgive themselves….Good luck to you, Peter
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I forgot to mention….Had I trusted my gut, I could have avoided my attack. I knew they were trouble right away and I let my guard down. I will never make that mistake again. That one poor decision I made with my brain and not my gut almost killed me
Peter
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There is a lot in that… trusting the insticts and intuition. They seldom lead wrongly, though the head and thoughts may do so.
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Thank You, for sharing this amazing story of perseverance and courage…I personally hope it makes it to the big screen to inspire millions and millions…peace
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Thank you… it is a hell of a story if we ever get it all told.
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You and your Mom are both amazing and inspirational.
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Thank you Ellen
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Hi Sue, Thanks for liking my Write Right post.
Kind regards
Rita
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You’re welcome, Rita.
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I am so emotional after reading your story your mom had you share. I’ve had some physical challenges that have changed my life as well although not as unbelievably horrific as the one you experienced. But reading your words made me wanna kick myself in the behind. You are an inspiration! Thank you SO much for sharing this!
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Thank you on Nick’s behalf, Laura. I’ll make sure he reads your message.
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Thank you so much Sue.
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Duly emailed… he needs reminding sometimes 🙂
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We can all use that…that’s what his writing did for me. Thank you again 🙂
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I was thinking the same of the kicking the backside bit 😉
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lol a mother has to do what a mother has to do!
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Hell yes 🙂
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Reblogged this on Nick Verron.
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Very well said Nick, So often we fuss over insignificant stuff.
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I’ve lived a long time, Nick. I’ve worried about things that just resolved themselves. We are really just living from second to second. I believe we each get help from a highter power. Some things that I thought were bad at the time have worked out to my benefit, or the benefit of those I care about.. After that happens a number of times, you start to see a pattern. I truly believe we’re guided into things that are best for us even if we can’t see it at the time. Someone told me once that he was amazed I could accomplish what I did even though I had a physical handicap (arthritis and sciatica due to a bad back) I told him we do what we have to do. What you’ve been through is many times greater than my problems. People depend on me, and I have to keep going. When I really need it, help seems to be there. I have two grown children older than you, and have always felt I had to be a good example for them. Maybe that’s the teacher in me talking. From your background, I know you’re not one to give up the fight. I once told someone that I can’t afford the rent in a dream castle. I have to face reality. Bless you and your mom who’s reading this. —– Suzanne
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Just a little note to say I think the beard looks great on you. 🙂 — Suzanne
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🙂
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Nick…and Sue…I think you have both elevated to the status of Iron Man now…He does kinda look like Marcus Arelius!!!!! Reblogging!
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Reblogged this on stevetanham.
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Some great truths there, Nick. Thanks for sharing, and my best wishes to you.
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As always, Nick, you have made me think. I know you’ll get on with things and will be even better for the experience, but I wish you some peace and joy. And if there’s anything we can do… We’re here. Thanks, Sue. Love to you all.
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Thanks, Olga. Hugs x
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Reblogged this on Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life and commented:
Nick Verron with a reminder to us all that we only have one life and it is for living not regretting or putting off love, experiences or even pain. That is life after all.. and it is short and for Nick Verron it was nearly very short. A very brave and wise for his years survivor.. and inspirational. Read the entire post over on Sue Vincent blog.
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You are a truly enlightened young man. Still, my heart breaks at what has happened to you. Instead of throwing in the towel, you have grown. Bravo. I admire your courage and grit. 😉
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A brilliant perspective born of such a difficult journey. Wishing him strength and continued progress. Hugs to a family of survivors. Thanks for sharing this.
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Thanks Van… and hugs.
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