I had the privilege
of hearing Dr. Magee’s story again at a recent conference held in Norfolk
hosted by Volunteer Hampton Roads.
Operation Smile
was conceived on a business trip to the Philippines whereas a group of plastic
surgeons and others attended a conference and performed surgeries on the locals.
At the end of
the conference there were still hundreds of folks hoping to have the opportunity
to get this life changing facial surgery.
A young woman approached Dr. Magee with the gift of bananas thanking him
for at least making the effort even though she was not one amongst the chosen!
Dr. Magee told
the young lady that he would be back and that statement was “more than just talk.”
You see Dr.
William Magee changed the world that day by making a decision that he was going to do something about what in his mind was a solvable solution.
Operation Smile
now performs facial reconstructive surgeries all over the world and daily makes
a dent in the universe!
I know Dr. Magee
and consider him a friend. He inspired
me many years ago with a simple question?
“Do you know the
difference between you and me?”
The answer…”I
dream bigger”
It was one of
those moments for me! What is your
moment? Have you had it yet? Did you miss it?
I get a chance
to meet wonderful people on a daily basis and I often read about others when I
can. I love the stories of normal people
recognizing that this is their time and they are going do something about
it. The ones that do… more than just talk!
Great ideas come
cheap and are often missed by those that perhaps they were intended for.
So many folks resign themselves to what
others might say or won’t take the risk out of fear of failure.
While others see
things from a difference perspective and declare that they are in a position to
make a change! It is their time
to make a dent in the universe.
People can’t
wait to get behind a great idea. I can
only imagine how Dr. Magee felt when that lady gave him that gift of
bananas. Let’s not forget the power of
the lady’s gift! You see both played a
vital role in the creation of a wonderful thing!
Dr. Magee shared
his vision with others and proclaimed to the world that for the meager amount
of $240 he could change a life forever.
Imagine living your life in solitude due to a facial deformity, unable
to go to school, have a job or even walk the streets. That can go away for an investment of
$240. Not a bad return!
Pay attention to
what people proclaim and support the dreamers and the visionaries! Also pay attention to life’s opportunities
that are presented to all of us on a constant basis.
It is up to you
to do more than just talk!
NobleOne
