Imagine the world going up bright orange and red, and all one’s belongings being lit in flames. Burning sensations touch the heart, and burn youth to the ground, this was John O Leary’s story. John O’Leary grew up in St. Louis. At the young age of nine, he was involved in a gasoline explosion house fire, resulting in third-degree burns across his entire body. Doctors then told him that he had less than a one percent chance of survival. His family showed support throughout his entire journey in the several months he spent in the hospital recovering from the accident. One person truly stuck out through the whole process. O’Leary loved Cardinals baseball. During that time, the Cardinals’ sports commentator, Jack Buck, was a huge inspiration to him. He came and visited O’Leary in the hospital and told him,
Along with that, he promised O’Leary that when he got out of the hospital, they would celebrate John O’Leary Day at the ballpark.
The movie goes back and forth from past tense O’Leary in the hospital, to present tense college student dealing with the emotional and physical damage done from the fire. O’Leary had to undergo extensive painful physical therapy, creating a bond with a nurse named Ray, who helped him through it all, practically carrying him whilst learning to walk again. He went through surgeries for scarring, as well as one in which all of his fingers were amputated. This made it hard for him to play the piano at weekly lessons, and even daily necessities, such as using a fork at dinner. However, he had his entire community behind him. Fire trucks and neighbors showed up at his house on the day he came home from the hospital, and famous baseball players sent him signed baseballs.
He couldn’t accept the scars at first; he became lost. He tried to start a construction company and found the love of his life. He couldn’t pick up a hammer, but Jack Buck told him, “You can do anything you want.” So, he made a life for himself, discovering later on that public speaking was his calling in life. He still speaks publicly to this day. Sharing his story and experiences has helped him cope as an individual, but also inspired others, and shed light on people who need a little extra hope.
The movie was a great one; it was a heartwarming story about three things: seizing the power to choose, focusing on significance, and shifting perspectives. Choosing a path is never easy, but that is an opportunity given to all. Use that power. Focus on the good; there’s always hope in every scenario. Shift the perspective in a positive way, instead of dwelling, and figure out a solution. As O’Leary would say, “From a victim to a victor.” This movie really shows that there is always light at the end of the tunnel. Sometimes life doesn’t go as planned, but there is always a way to turn the bad around and make room for greatness. O’Leary got his day at the ballpark, and he made a life of accomplishment, love, and fulfillment.
Scars are still there, and the past memories still make appearances in the present; however, all the bad, all the negative, and all the dead ends are small, simple sparks of a soul on fire.
