#408: SPOTLIGHT: Dave Hochman
#408: Dave Hochman
November 19, 2024
A Backbeat of Community
Question for Dave:
Do you recall an unexpected pathway toward a healing in life in whatever way, shape, form that looked like and at whatever level it occurred?
Dave's Response:
On July 26, 2023, I was broken and exhausted. Weight gain, depression, and the toll of the pandemic which had devastated my small business. On July 27th, while walking on a sidewalk, I was struck by an SUV driven by a 97-year-old man, causing a compound fracture in my right leg, severing a femoral artery and bringing me within 3 or 4 minutes of death. After a grueling two-month hospital stay and 8 surgeries, I left with an above-the-knee amputation.
The trauma and near-death experience forced me to confront my life’s direction and relinquish control over aspects that had once defined me. Forced to slow down and reevaluate my priorities, I embraced the old cliche' and learned to appreciate life’s simpler moments, mental well-being and family. This ordeal unexpectedly provided a fresh perspective: while burnout had previously clouded my resilience, I found peace and a renewed appreciation for life amid the recovery process. In facing the physical and emotional challenges of this life-altering event, I rediscovered a profound gratitude for the present, resilience to overcome adversity, and a deeper connection to what truly matters.
I suspect Dave would love all direct responses from you. I find it incredibly encouraging when I hear from any of you after I share my thoughts. It is powerful for me. I assume many others have a similar experience. So here is Dave's email… pip
Amanda's thought…
Dave, since reading about it, your unimaginable experience and the journey that followed have stayed with me, constantly coming back to mind. I am in awe of the immense capacity of the human brain and body to overcome adversity. As Thanksgiving approaches, I am deeply grateful that you survived and are here to share your story. Your experience has made me reflect on how life can truly be a perception of the mind. And that even after being pushed to the lowest of lows, it’s not only possible to rise from the deepest darkness, but also to see and move through the world in an entirely new way -- one that fosters deeper connections to oneself, to one’s purpose, to loved ones, and to the real moments that make life meaningful and joyful.
- AP
