Beacons in the Darkness
Beacons in the Darkness
One Writer’s Quest to Spread Light
It has been officially two years since the start of the pandemic. I remember it so vividly because President Trump declared the COVID-19 virus an issue on my birthday. When I think back to this, it seems like a lifetime ago, so much has changed. It will take time before we look back on these events without an emotional lens. Families were torn apart by the actual virus itself and the subsequent impact it had on the political arena. But despite all of this forced change, so many banned together, despite what mainstream media tells you.
Bill Jordan sensed just how heavy this was going to be and decided it was time to put together another book. “Two things really kickstarted this piece - the first was that the beginning of the pandemic was really trying on everyone, including myself. Losing the opportunity to interact with people in person really put a damper on life in addition to the fact that so many were facing the realities of what happens if you caught COVID.” This made Jordan want to find some positivity in life. “I figured something like this would be a good excuse for people to share positive stories with me without me awkwardly asking folks to just tell me something uplifting.”
The second thing that kickstarted the book was the more time Jordan spent with what most would consider normal everyday people - like you or me, who aren't famous and just live regular lives - the more he found himself being amazed at people's journeys. “There’ve been so many times I've been talking to someone and they share part of their life story and my reaction is ‘wow, that could be a movie’.” That really got Jordan thinking that most people probably have an inspiring story inside of them. “Maybe it’s not about them directly - but they have experienced something that really is an incredible story and can be very uplifting.” Since Jordan realized that was the case, he figured it would be awesome to find some of these stories so the world could hear them.
A sales manager by trade, Jordan went to school to be a writer but these days writing is more of a hobby. “I enjoy anything creative that stimulates the mind and supporting my amazing wife in her passions as well.” I asked Jordan what inspiration means to him and his response was unlike any I’d heard before. “Inspiration for me is typically something that uplifts my spirit and increases my drive. It's hard to describe, but I absolutely know when it is happening to me.” How powerful, this, I assume, is one of the many reasons myself and so many others were drawn to this project. When Jordan asked me to write a piece for this book, my brain told me that it was crazy. I am not an inspiration to anyone. I barely seem to make it through this thing call life (Prince pun intended) without the people around me. But with a fair amount of follow-up (Thanks, Bill) I found the words to write about my battle with cancer.
I asked Bill to pick three excerpts from his book, Beacons in the Darkness: Inspirational Stories from People I Know, which can now be found on amazon.com.
From: Above the Bar by Bill Jordan - “I chose to write about a good friend and former colleague of mine, Mike Huggins, who embodies much of what the American Dream was once meant to be … work hard, no matter the circumstances, and you have a chance to achieve your dreams.”
After high school, Mike knew he needed a bachelor’s degree to go where he ultimately wanted to head, but even a public school seemed unrealistic and out of reach. Coming from a military family, Mike already understood some of the benefits a life of service could provide - as he learned more, he signed up for the National Guard. Certainly, for love of country, but also because he saw the benefits as part of his plan. It took longer than the requisite four years because Mike was not only spending time serving his country, but also working other jobs as well - but he became the first person in his family to get that degree. One box checked. Along the way, he also met and started dating a woman who is now his amazingly supportive wife. For the record, she finally had to ask him out because this “tough guy” couldn’t take the plunge. Again, from the outside, it seemed it was the perfect family living the American Dream. But, you can’t see hustle. You can’t see grind. You can’t see grit.
From: What Choice do I have? By Caitlin Croft
But, little did I know this same inspiration would carry me forward with strength I’d never known. Through the ups and downs of facing radiation alone, old heartbreaks, new heartbreaks, COVID, transitioning to tamoxifen, the pressure of finding success when so many were struggling; this inspiration taught me how to handle things with stoicism and grace while simultaneously strengthening the bonds in my world. Yes, I have my amazing friends, family and community - but it is at night that I alone had to fight the dark crevasses of my mind that can so easily run the show.
They say at the end we are alone, and this experience made me contemplate this on a level a thirty-something shouldn’t have to in the modern era. I guess the point of this is why wait for external signals, or events to be perfect. In reality if you are already searching for something, the change has been made within you and just applying new behaviors to this attitude is what’s needed; at least this is what worked for me.
From: Oh My, What Grandpa Can Grow! by anonymous - “a touching story that reminds us to not obsess over things like money and titles at work and to take the time to find the joy in everyday life.”
So, in honor of Grandpa, I call on us to stop for awhile today and to breath some magic of contentment back into our lives. To allow ourselves to close our eyes to all of our worries and dive deep into one glorious moment, even to simply enjoy a sucker from the dollar store, preferably without the dirt.
The proceeds from this book go to an amazing animal rescue organization named Empire Animal Rescue Society (EARS) headquartered in Salamanca, NY.
Jordan has also written a romance novel called Second Chance at Love about someone who loses their wife due to cancer and after much emotional debate ends up finding love again. “I also have a collection of poetry out called The Fate of Our States is Great: 101 Poems on American History, which rhymes through time about events and people in our country's past.”
Be sure to follow the former Ellicottville resident and keep up with future projects! Twitter @billjordan4 Instagram @billjordaniv He also has a YouTube channel where he is posting weekly videos.
Now go to amazon and order this book to help spread more inspiration in this world and support some great animals looking for second chances … because aren’t we all?