How An Accident Enhances My Attitude in Life
By Dr Goh Seh Kai
12 Jan 2022
Usually, people might have remarkable lifetime episodes that drastically change their lives. Therefore, their stories might be worth sharing for inspiring or enlightening others. In this article, I wish to share a story of my severe accident that has profoundly and positively affected my attitude in life, which might encourage you.
The Story of My Accident
When I was young, I used to be very adventurous and found performing activities in the village after school, such as catching fish in the drains, climbing trees for fruits, catching spiders, etc. So it was usual until I met with an accident, which eradicated my playful character and improved my attitude in life.
The accident occurred when I was absent from school in the morning one day during my primary-six education. It was not long after my primary-six leaving examination (PSLE) was over, and the weather was excellent because of heavy rain the night before.
Due to cosiness, I enjoyed my sleep and overslept for school. Then, since there were no critical lessons for my PSLE exam, I decided to skip class on that day.
At noon, three of my close classmates were curious about my absence and came to visit me after school. When we were together, we had fun playing badminton, footballing and hide-and-seek, etc., in the open space beside my house.
Out of a sudden, for no reason, I wanted to show my classmates how I could do chin-ups by jumping up to grasp a horizontal and leafless branch stick in front of my house. So without realizing the danger, I quickly stood on a concrete bench under the tree and jumped up to grab it impetuously. However, I flipped and fell because the twig was wet and too high and huge for my hands to grip thoroughly.
Unfortunately, my left hand landed on the ground before my body while falling. Due to my body weight, I injured my left arm — the joint portion between my upper arm and forearm was wounded and bleeding. I was again slightly unconscious, feeling very painful, and a bone seemed to protrude out of my left arm.
At that juncture, an elderly neighbour passed by and rushed to wake me up, and my mum, a housewife, who was then talking to an overseas relative in my house, was alerted by my classmates’ screaming sound. She dashed out of my house, and with my neighbour’s help, they carried me to a nearby clinic for treatment. But, after assessment, the doctor there could not help and advised my mum to admit me to the general hospital for surgery quickly.
However, to my neighbour’s knowledge, my mum did not immediately admit me to the hospital. Instead, she brought me to see a nearby Chinese man who could treat broken bones.
I think she made this decision because she wanted her loved one to recover fast. And she believed the gentleman could cure my fractured arm. However, after his few steps of arm-twisting activities, my left arm felt even more painful. After his treatment, I had to lie in bed for two days without an appetite for food, feeling weak and uncomfortable.
Being worried my condition might deteriorate, my mum eventually rushed me to the hospital. After an assessment, the doctor told my mum that I was fortunate to admit early as my left arm would be infected with tetanus disease if any delay, and he might have to remove my left arm to save my life.
Finally, I had gone through an operation and became an inpatient for a few weeks. After discharge as an outpatient, I had to return to the hospital for removing stitching threads and a few months of arm straightening exercises subsequently.
Although the accident had taken me almost half a year to recover and left me with a long scar on my left arm after surgery, I appreciated I could keep my arm and be alive. Whenever I see my ugly left arm, I will recall the incident and ordeal from time to time. While I was unfortunate to experience the mishap, my attitude in life has enhanced as a consequence.
How the Accident Improves My Attitude in Life
Don’t take life for granted: Although I didn’t feel wrong or guilty for being absent from school, I either thought a disaster would happen soon. But, for very long after the misfortune, I often regretted and criticized myself for skipping class.
Nevertheless, when I became more mature, I thought it differently — I might be too young then to comprehend a wrong decision could result in a disaster. Also, after almost fifty years have passed, I can understand why people always say that life is uncertain and we ought to value what we possess now.
Likewise, I have also realized that making the right decision is critical in life — If I could have changed my mind to attend class, the calamity would not have happened.
Thus, I believe an appropriate decision would result in a good outcome, although it might not always be guaranteed since it might be fated. However, regardless of our choices, we shall not take life and what we own for granted but value and uphold them, as they might not stay with us forever.
Understand personal limitations: I acknowledge that I had underestimated the potential risks– the twig was too high, wet and thick for my mission. Similarly, I had overestimated my ability and was too naive to attain my aim.
Although I somehow could not avoid the mishap because it might be due to fate, I should know my limitations to prevent it from occurring.
Due to the dreadful experience, I have become less impulsive towards any activities if I think I could not do them. Moreover, I have tended to be more cautious while participating in risky events to avoid similar tragedies.
The reason I learn is that we cannot escape a life-threatening fate, but what we shall do is try to behave safely. If we could constantly assess the possible perils and our limitations, we would minimize the chances of tragedy.
Hence, it would be best to assess the risk situation and not act beyond personal limitations. And follow our own heart before actions — If we believe we are not confident in or afraid of performing a task, avoid doing it. Similarly, it is advisable not to act like a hero — think before acting since nobody will pity us for any misfortune caused by our imprudent behaviour.
Refrain from overindulgence: I recognize that due to intemperance, I had caused the misery — since no one controlled me like in school, and my mum was busy talking with someone in my house that day, I could have a chance to play with my classmates freely in an unrestrained and familiar environment.
After the misery, I truly understand why my parents always told me that immoderate enjoyment would result in disaster. They always reminded me to restrain my joy to avoid misfortune.
Indeed, we must constantly beware of danger, especially when we are in the enjoyment stage, as we quickly forget our condition. Many accident cases have shown that a catastrophe might happen because people were too overwhelmed with the excitement they were experiencing and overlooked the imminent danger they would face.
Thus, it would be best to refrain from overindulgence to prevent avoidable sorrow, as it is very pitiful.
Value parental love: Recalling my hospitalization experience, I appreciate my mum’s unconditional love and care. Although the hospital catered for meals, my mum would constantly cook delicious and nutritious foods and bring them for my lunch. At noon, I always looked forward to meeting with her. I was teary but delighted whenever I saw her arrive.
I was touched whenever she sat down with me and reminded me to stay optimistic about my arm’s condition, although I noticed that she was worried and tired since she also had to do household chores and take care of my brothers and sisters at home.
After my discharge, she accompanied me to and from the hospital for the stitching-threads removal and arm straightening exercises. Finally, my left arm recovered with a long scar when I moved to secondary school.
During my secondary education, I often felt uncomfortable with my abnormal left arm (long scar), as I was worried that my classmates might laugh at me or look down on me. Also, I felt inferior to others with normal limbs.
However, my mum always advised me not to be too concerned about my imperfect arm but to pay more attention to my study, as others will judge me on my wisdom but not my appearance. Because of my mum’s encouragement, I could minimize my stress and worries to do well in my education.
Although my mum had already passed away more than ten years ago, I value her love and encouragement during my mishap, as without her support and care, I would not be able to become strong again to tide over the tragedy.
I also respect her efforts and feel sorry for causing workload to her then since she was busy with household chores and had to take care of my siblings.
I want to thank mum for her attitude of inspiration and utmost love and care rendered to me, which I have learned to support my children forever when required.
In summary, my misfortune has left me with an unforgettable and challenging experience during my childhood and teenage life. However, it has enhanced my attitude in life — don’t take life for granted; understand personal limitations; refrain from overindulgence, and value parental love. I hope my story will inspire you and enrich your life.
Thank you for reading, and your comments are welcome and appreciated!
