Story Never Ends
I received an unexpected call this week from a young man in Chicago. It turns out he is a nephew of late James Lilly, who was the protagonist of a documentary I made many moons ago. After working with James for 9 years, I finished the film called, “Pushin’ Forward,” in 2007 chronicling his life as he pursued his dream of winning the world’s longest wheelchair race in Alaska. James was a former gang member in Chicago, got shot and paralyzed when he was 15 years-old and later became a world-class wheelchair athlete. It was a story about redemption and perseverance. The film ends with the long-coveted victory. James’ life work was to keep sharing his story to inner-city kids to steer them away from bad choices.
Sadly 5 years after the film was completed, James took his own life leaving behind 3 young sons. Despite the fact that he overcame so many adversities in his life, he was struggling with alcoholism and succumbed to his demons. Devastated, I felt responsible to do something — somebody had to carry on with the work he was doing to help his and other kids who may be needing some guidance. So I actually applied for a few masters programs in social work as I thought that was possibly my path to help, but alas, the only school I was accepted was USC with a $200K price tag, not a good financial move in my 50s. It was actually then I was guided to get on a path to being a Dharma teacher, which is in its own way an unfolding story that I may tell some other time.
James’ nephew was reaching out to me because he wanted to get a copy of the movie and also wants to start a non-profit. He told me James was a father-figure for him. He was young when James passed away, but his death affected him greatly. He wants his organization to be something that would honor James and help others — either suicide prevention, gang prevention, or somthing else. I got chills when I heard it.
As I moved on with my life following the path of Dharma and others, I lost touch with James’ family. Needless to say, it was incredibly life-affirming to hear from his family member that I didn’t know (although I probably met him as a toddler while I was filming). I don’t know if this young man will actually realize his Vision, but I gladly offered my support. Regardless of how it may turn out, James’ story remains relevant today. This was just another reminder that our story keeps unfolding and never ends. It would be beyond my wildest dream if this young man would carry on with James’ message to help others. And I’m so grateful…