Without planning to, someone cross your life path that changes your life or perspective on life in such a way that you can't stop thinking about that person.
That someone crossed my path this weekend. I didn't know the person, didn't plan on meeting him or didn't even know he exists until our charity ride project.
One resident of House Betsie Louw made such a huge impact on me that I need to, or let me rephrase, want to tell you more about him.
His name is Pieter and although he is mentally handicapped, or as they say these days mentally challenged he is just one awesome person.
I didn't post any pictures of Pieter on purpose apart from the one with Donnalee as I wanted to save it for this post.
When I first saw him Saturday morning when our fund raiser started, I didn't take much notice but he just blew my mind away.
He helped us the whole Saturday and Sunday without complaining once. In fact I never even saw him take a break to eat something, he just kept going. If it wasn't for him convincing hundreds of people to do the Computrainer challenge or take a raffle ticket to win the bike, I know we wouldn't have raised such an awesome amount.
We even had this Chuck Norris joke: "Chuck Norris was at the Mall and didn't want to buy a raffle ticket but Pieter made him buy one" 
We always look for Icons or Heroes to look up to. If the advice is not coming from a film star or a successful sportsman we don't even bother listening.
We read books on how to behave, what to do, when to do it and what will happen when you don't do it.
Well let me give you some advice, you don't need to look that far, just find the Pieter in your community.
If I only had the patience Pieter has
If I only had the confidence....
If I only had the enthusiasm....
If I only had the sense of humor...
If I only had the believe...
If I only had the courage...
If I only had the energy...
If I only had the knowledge not to judge people.
Thank you Pieter, for giving me the opportunity to meet you, it was a real honour.
I salute you!
Wow...you are right!! Thanks afor sharing!!
ReplyDeleteCheers from Hong Kong!
¨XTB¨¨ Xavi.
First off, loved the Chuck Norris joke hahaha.
ReplyDeleteYou sound like a really good man. Wholesome, honest, and fair. I enjoy reading about athletes that make a positive change in their community and are good role models. You have demonstrated that numerous times in your posts.
Keep up the good work and I hope your training continues to go well!
Herewith a very special thank you on behalf of Huis Betsie Louw.
ReplyDeleteJohan I love this post. Some people were put on this earth to be an inspiration to everyone. Pieter is definitely one of those.
ReplyDeleteNice one Johan, huge kudos for you for seeing past the usual barriers we put in front of ourselves and seeing the real worth of Pieter.
ReplyDeleteAnd great kudos to you Pieter, it sounds like the challenges that have been put in your way have in no way held you back from being the best you can be and better than most!
AWESOME.