In 1732, when Alexander Pope wrote in the poem ‘An Essay on Man’ that “Hope springs eternal” he expressed the notion that even in the face of adversity, humans retain a fundamental optimism and hope for a better future.
In many ways, how we handle adversity defines who we are. Facing tough circumstances tests us, taps into our human spirit and desire to rebound and survive.
I’ve noticed a gentleman at my gym over the last couple of months who clearly has been tested in this way. It was pretty clear, judging by his age, his wounds – being a triple amputee (both legs and his right hand) – that this was likely a war injury, but I didn’t know. What I did notice was his amazing attitude and smile. The irony that he seemed like the most positive person in the gym wasn’t lost on me.
After working up the courage to ask him what his story was, how he sustained those injuries, he was incredibly candid and easy to talk to, answering my questions without hesitation.
His name is Wade Mitcheltree, a US Army veteran serving over 16 years, and each time I’ve seen him at the gym, always Sundays, I see him doing his thing, lifting weights, stretching on the mat, and his amazing dog Gus is always by his side. He lives in Tigard.
His wounds occurred in Afghanistan August 31, 2012, while on ‘dismounted patrol’ (walking) when the bomb (IED) went off. He remembers hearing the sound of the bomb, flying through the air, landing on the ground, staying conscious while being addressed by the Medics, but then was put in a medically induced coma at the hospital until sometime in October.
I told him that I noticed how positive his energy was and asked how he was able to do so considering the challenges he has. His answer was immediate and sincere. “It’s all about mindset. It’s easy to have a ‘poor me’ attitude, but you get more out of life if you have a ‘that’s not going to stop me’ mindset.”
“I work out, I hunt, and I spend each Friday volunteering at the McDonald House helping others in any way I can.” When I asked what he’d suggest to others who find themselves overwhelmed by challenges, he said, “Get active, like physically active. Do something!”
His love for his dog Gus is evident from the first moment you see them together. Gus is a mutt he rescued from the Yakama Indian Reservation during the pandemic. Wade calls him his social butterfly, and says, “he’s always with me”. Their interaction together is notable and charming.
Wade could easily be a motivational speaker but doesn’t seek the limelight. He has been a speaker at various Rotary Club lunches and will be a guest speaker this June at his hometown High School’s graduation ceremony in Pennsylvania.
I’m so glad I spoke to Wade. I was curious to know how a person we might look at as having every reason to be pissed off could look so happy. His contagious smile and outgoing personality were telling, but after speaking to him, I realized that his mindset is his strength. Hope Springs Eternal for Wade, and his determined, positive mindset is a great example for all of us.
