Board Thread:Off Topic/@comment-1687225-20141028030458/@comment-5632187-20141028033440

I recently lost my grandfather. He was by far the biggest inspiration to ever enter my life, having beat cancer on three separate occasions. One night, I got a text that he'd taken an unexpected terminal turn for the worse and that he wouldn't make it through the night. He passed away that night, and I never got to say goodbye. It hit me hard. It was very hard for me to cope, but recently I've gotten over it completely.

First, I turned to a great group of friends. I found a youth group, and there I met some of my current closest friends. Just this weekend I gave a speech about my life story and how I persevered to them. There were only two main factors that helped me persevere: A positive mindset, and great support.

I used to live in a mindset where it was always "would've, could've, should've, but didn't", and that kept me trapped in the past. But recently, I've adopted this mindset: "Your past is unchangeable, the present is a gift, and the future is an open book; make it whatever you want it to be." I know it may seem unrealistic now with what you have to go through, but you can do ANYTHING if you have the willpower to do it. It's just based on how you decide to deal with your problems: Do you wallow in your sorrow and sadness, or do you get out of that rut and do something with your life, leaving the rough patches behind you? That's the decision you have to make. There will be more obstacles, sure, but never think for a moment that you're unable to do anything.

The amount of support I received from my friends and family was phenomenal, and that was one of the things that kept me positive for the entire time of suffering. If it weren't for that, I don't know if I would've been able to cope and adopt the mindset I have currently.

I hope something I've said here helped, and with all sincerity, I hope your life turns around soon, Brain. Please, if you ever need someone to talk to, do not hesitate to ask. Wishing you well and, for whatever it means to you, you will be in my prayers.

-Cosmic