John Robertson is 61 years old. He’s survived a catastrophic accident, a coma, multiple surgeries, and profound loss. Now, he’s facing his final challenge—a lung disease that threatens to take his life. This is the story of how John is confronting his mortality with dignity, grace, and a determination to leave something behind.
The Diagnosis
John has been diagnosed with lung disease, likely caused by decades of exposure to dust, asbestos, and other airborne particles. “This issue with my lungs is caused by exposure to dust and bird feathers.”
His lung capacity is at just 51%. He needs oxygen 24/7. The disease is causing his chest to swell, constricting his lungs and making it hard to breathe.
The Treatment
Doctors prescribed steroids to reduce the swelling. The treatment was effective—John’s lung capacity improved to 72%. But there was a catch: “The steroids are working, but come to find out, they will affect my internal organs by destroying them.”
The medication costs $300 a month—a significant expense for someone on a fixed income. John is hoping to get the treatment covered by WSIB (the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board).
The Conversation
John’s conversation with his specialist was stark: “Am I going to die from this?” The doctor’s response: “This issue with your chest swelling up will kill you, but taking the steroids for a long time will kill you as well.”
The Preparation
John is preparing for the worst. “Well, just in case, I have all my I’s dotted and T’s crossed just in case.” He’s made sure his affairs are in order, that his sons will be taken care of.
The Irony
John reflects on the irony of his situation: “It’s really weird because I got hit by a large truck, and it didn’t kill me, but something like dust and bird feathers is going to get me.”
The Legacy
John is leaving behind a legacy through this book. “I hope this book I have written will help some people understand how to deal with a brain injury better because, to tell you the truth, I wouldn’t wish my life on anyone else.”
He also hopes to become a motivational speaker. “I always wanted to be a motivational speaker, so maybe writing this book might help me with that goal.”
The Message
John’s final message is one of hope: “I know it is going to be tough, but in many ways, it’s worth it, so please believe me, you can’t give up.”
The Bigger Picture
John also has a message for the world:
- End greed: “The major problem in this entire world is greed”
- Save the planet: “Please let’s do something so our kids don’t have to”
- Get rid of fossil fuels: “We’ve done this all over money, and this is very shitty”
- Protect future generations: “It wouldn’t be fair to our next generation”
The Survivor’s Guilt
John still struggles with survivor’s guilt. “I feel this every day of my life. But it shouldn’t; there is nothing you can do about this feeling. It just wasn’t your time, so be like a duck and just let it roll off your back.”
The Miracles
John has been called a miracle by doctors. He takes pride in that, but he also takes pride in what he’s accomplished: “I feel that I am fairly smart because we were watching this program on TV one night about what to do about the plastic in the oceans. I thought about it and told my boys that we need to invent a vacuum-like machine that will suck all the shit off the floor of the oceans.”
The Final Words
“I guess you can say I am a miracle because I believe I have accomplished a lot in my life because my family didn’t give up on me and I didn’t give up either.”
What John’s Story Teaches Us
John’s journey teaches us:
- Life is fragile: Everything can change in a moment
- Hope is essential: Without hope, there’s nothing
- Family matters: John’s family saved his life
- Legacy is important: What you leave behind matters
- Don’t give up: “Please believe me, you can’t give up”
Conclusion
John Robertson is facing the end of his life with the same courage he’s shown throughout it. He’s preparing for the worst while hoping for the best. He’s made sure his sons will be taken care of. He’s written a book that will help others. And he’s leaving behind a message of hope: no matter how hard life gets, no matter what obstacles you face, you can keep going. You can find meaning. You can make a difference.
