Hope in the Dark

[@JohnDoe-jh5yr]

"You can fall apart if you need to, you just can't stay there. Once you've felt all your feelings, you're gonna need to get back up because we are going to need you; the future is going to need you."

[@rosieE121]

I agree. That is wisdom.

[@hopeful-g6j]

I nearly died @ 5 years ago. Right around Thanksgiving they found a plum size tumor on my brainstem. I had a 9 hour craniotomy in early Feb. Death or serious disability were both options but the surgeon saved my life and I have no cognitive or physical impacts. My perspective completely changed post-tumor. I'm angry and scared right now but my near death experience does help keep me grounded.

[@timradde4328]

Thank you for sharing. That's scary as heck. I wish you well over this holiday season.

[@hopeful-g6j]

@@timradde4328 Thanks for commenting. My husband reminds me it was 8 years ago not 5. I noticed people picking up the "I could die imminently so why not live" vibe during COVID. I think Trump 2.0 is definitely a worthy stimulus for the "got nothing to lose" spirit to stand up against bullies because why not. Nextdoor just blocked my all-women book club post for discriminating against men. I had to re-write the post 3x's to appease the cult and the most vanilla version will probably be blocked by the end of the day. Crazy times.

[@user-ym7bf7bx1d]

That hit me like a cement truck. You are a gifted communicator and a real inspiration.

[@gingermcintosh6545]

I have pulmonary hypertension as well. Mine is caused by my heart, so when my heart isn’t bad, my lungs are better. I’m aware I only have a few years. My kidney doctor just asked yesterday if I have a plan. I was taken aback. He said I need to have a plan because my health is declining. So that was cheery. But I’m not dying today. And I’m probably not dying in the near future. But I hear you. I am on oxygen 24/7. It’s getting harder. But it isn’t now.

[@robynrains7252]

Hugs and Love to you 🩷🩷

[@Luvpig]

We are here with you one day at a time. XOXO 😘

[@coleengoodell7523]

May God be with you Ginger. You are loved.

[@russkendrick8981]

I don't mean to negate what you are going through at all; but I totally know what your diagnosis is. I just lost my 12 year old Dalmatian (seen in my profile pic) to your very diagnosis less than a month ago. This year has been absolute crap, but I honestly wish you the very very very best. Sending you tons of positive vibes from Fort Carson, Colorado.

[@dawnolynyk]

Good morning Ginger❤. This video from Leigh has me crying. To hear you are living with a diagnosis......may everyday you have be with loved ones❤. Don't think I should have watched this so early in the am. Thankful for every day❤we have, in spite of what's ahead. ❤

[@gtalbot847]

You have not failed. You are a warrior.

[@JohnDoe-jh5yr]

❤

[@timradde4328]

This.

[@Dougie1969]

A warrior??? Lmfao Yeah Ok

[@JonDeere-j2r]

@@Dougie1969you’re living in a house of cards bro

[@Dougie1969]

@@JonDeere-j2r I just checked No cards My house is all Cinder blocks But you had me going for a minute

[@Keepitcurious1685]

I love you❤ Thank you for this episode. Also, thank you for the book "A Return to Common Sense" I am 54 years old and have long been ashamed of not having a better grasp of how the government works. The Government 101 chapter has given me a much better understanding of the US government and as a result, made me a better, more effective citizen. I live in Arkansas, a very Red state, and you give me great comfort. I am also a nurse and am so deeply sorry for the painful medical experience you had and continue to manage with such grace. I read this about you on Forbes, and it is 100% true. "I don’t do the news,” McGowan shared. “I explain the news. It’s not about me looking smart, it’s about my audience feeling smart. I want them to be able to go into the world and talk about what’s going on with confidence. I give the facts in an entertaining way that makes sense. That way they can make sense to other people.” Your energy lifts me and sustains me when I feel depleted. Thank you, so sincerely, for your generous work. ❤

[@asharpbflat7179]

THIS is the comment that should be up-voted!!!

[@lisaquick1196]

I'm so glad i found your channel at this time! You're so amazingly articulate and well- informed, I'm going to learn a lot from you, and I'm grateful. You so perfectly described the feeling of despondence- of feeling like there's a gun pointed at your head, that so many of us felt upon hearing the election results. I'm so glad you're with us so many years beyond your original prognosis! May you live long! ❤

[@saradunn2755]

As a nurse, your personal story is soul touching. As a political junky, I’m still heartbroken but I always tune in to hear your detailed and meticulously prepared posts. I’m going to start supporting you because that’s what I can do.

[@JohnViinalass-lc1ow]

thanks, 2755...be well

[@JohnViinalass-lc1ow]

go on, you

[@Dougie1969]

Deranged and unhinged

[@saradunn2755]

@@Dougie1969thanks for commenting ☺️

[@tkat6442]

​@@saradunn2755 I have nothing but warm feelings for nurses. My husband and I have both spent enough time hospitalized lately to know that nurses are awesome!

[@rondougherty1632]

My partner is in his fifth year of living with CTEPH; you give us hope he will see his fifteenth. Thanks for all you do and all you are.

[@annerose7571]

You are so brave! After my second child was born, I too was diagnosed with a disease that gave me less than 6 months to live I was angry, scared, in denial, and I even picked out a friend to try to marry my widowed husband and be mother to my children. I asked a pathologist in the hospital were I worked to check my biopsy. The diagnosis was wrong. Instead I was going to be in great pain for a few months and I would get better. You reminded me that each day is precious. Thank you. You are an inspiration!

[@TheM163]

You are incredibly strong to share your story about your health condition. You have given me a better perspective for the next 4 years and beyond.

[@FunctioningAdult]

Breast cancer survivor mom here and I appreciate you starting your story and I agree. Almost nothing is all good or all bad. We have to look for the light and be the helpers we need.

[@linmasters]

I'm still crying listening to your story. OMG. I feel so happy just knowing you from afar. You are truly beautiful, inside and out. You are a true GIFT to this world. I LOVE YOU AND PRAY FOR YOU.

[@raviolihog4002]

Loosr

[@donnareed3822]

I’m so sorry that you have to go through this and glad you’re still here. Thank you for your inspirational message. Hopefully we will all survive the next few years together. Happy Thanksgiving 🦃

[@robib2453]

I love this so much! This is so much like my own story with the exception of having a disease. I was in a near fatal motorcycle accident with my husband just shy of 3 weeks after our daughter was born. My husband’s injuries were slightly less severe than mine, but were still extensive. I ended up with an above the knee amputation on the left side and my left elbow fussed at 90 degrees. We were in an incredible trauma center in Seattle, which I can’t speak highly enough of. My husband was in for 6 weeks and I was in for exactly 2 months. I missed my baby girl so much, I could barely stand it. My amazing mom was watching her, while also driving school bus during the day. She had arranged with 3 of her neighbors to watch our sweet girl. On her breaks mid day, she’d make the half hour drive to make sure that we had everything that we needed. When she got off work, if she was too tired to come down again and fight traffic, she’d make sure that one of my siblings came down to see us. She was a rock star. Every time I’d ask, “mom, when can I see my baby?” She’d say that the hospital won’t let her bring her, because the risk of infection was too high for the baby and us. I cried so many times. That tiny little girl was the reason I was fighting so hard to get back to her. My mom not being a push over. She took our baby to the doctor I’d had since I was a baby. He was also well known throughout our region. He said, the baby is in perfect health, but if she doesn’t get to see her parents soon, she will not remember them. He wrote a long note pinned it to my daughter’s blanket and said, “you take her to see her mom and dad, she’s what they need right now.” This was at about the one month mark. I was so happy and amazed at how much she has grown. She had filled out and was the most beautiful sight. She was fussing when my mom walked into the room. My mom walked right over to me and laid her in my good arm. She stopped fussing almost immediately. Everyone in the room smiled from ear to ear. I may have teared up. Even though I still had another month of skin graphs and having my left arm attached to my stomach, cause I’d lost so much skin. I was so happy seeing my child nearly everyday after that. About the time she learned how to crawl, I learned how to walk again (so scary). When she was about to start walking we were able to go to our home again and live independently. By that time nearly a year had passed. Just like you it was the most terrifying thing I’ve ever dealt with. It’s also an experience that I wouldn’t change for anything. I’m blessed to have a very diverse family. My kids, niece’s, nephew’s and now a new generation, including my 2 granddaughters, are so excepting of differences in people. They will go out of their way to help anyone who is struggling. They make me so proud! Thank you so much for everything that you do and trusting us with your story. I look forward to seeing you every single week. You are a light in these crazy times. I love that you are here to go thru it all with.🤗💜

[@shielanunn3484]

Amazing story.Proof that out of tradgedy LOVE unites and HEALS

[@josephthomasjr.6551]

I swear PoliticsGirl, the more I watch you the more I LIKE you!!! Thank you for sharing something so powerful and personal. And I don't care what those doctors say, may you live to be ONE HUNDRED!!!

[@CassTyson]

My mother was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension in her 60’s, most likely caused by the emphysema, which was most likely caused by 20 years of smoking as a young adult. She lived well into her 80’s, cantankerous until the very end. Keep the faith. Keep doing what you’re doing. Know you are loved. Thank you.

[@sylviaderby3822]

One of the most powerful testimonies I have ever heard, Leigh. Strange as it may sound, but you are exactly in the right place at the right time using your gifts to be a beacon of hope to thousands of people. Thank you for your compassion and inspiration !

[@katheryns1219]

Thank you for this even though you made me cry. Almost five years ago I lost my brother to a rare cancer (1 in 2 million). He was 59 but had married late so left a widow two girls aged 8 and 11. From his diagnosis to his death was hell for all of us. And even though he was well insured, the medical bills were horrendous. (I'm in the US, of course!) I'm so glad that you have survived and that your son has gotten to know his brave warrioress mother. And that you have allowed us to come to know you, too. Total admiration and gratitude for who you are.

[@FrancisGilbert-w8y]

Hello dear, how are you doing today? Nice meeting with you, I would love being friends with you, thank you.

[@xelaneb]

You're one of the goats on youtube. Your stuff is always informative and encouraging. Glad you're here and inspiring us all still today

[@gaseousclay9529]

lol don't most goats get more than 20k views.... shitty minecraft channels ran by tweens get better view than this

[@marioreno2466]

The first time I saw you was a few weeks back on a CNN panel. That night I watched you loose your cool against a man who spewed lie after lie in rapid succession. When I heard you let out your "BRO!", I looked up from my keyboard, hit rewind, and watched wondering, where has the news been hiding this one. The youtube algo does a good job hiding you, but find and follow I did. This an inspirational tear loaded great episode that hit especially hard for those of us who have been in that room and had to fight to be seen. I love your content and wish you could be out there more but, now I completely understand. Thank you for awesome work.

[@annebabson7443]

My God, Leigh! I am so proud of you and so encouraged by your testimony of survival of a real and horrible shock. You’re right. Being kind is a superpower.

[@angelm.bouchard3722]

My daughter who has always been wise beyond her years, thinks that America is like an addict. We apparently need to hit rock bottom to truly understand what we have to lose. Then hopefully ALL Americans will get a clue, stop being divided, and fight together to save our Democratic Republic. She is more optimistic than I am. I just have to pray every night that whatever damage Chump and his perverse cabinet, and Congress cause can be undone.

[@Luvpig]

You have a smart daughter

[@jeffhodge3147]

I don't know what I would do without my daughter today. I'm 70 now, and she and I took care of my wife until she left this world. I've had a triple bypass and now have skin cancer. I am not afraid of death, I look forward to it. Yet I know there has to be a reason God has kept me alive. So I'll march on till I cross that river.

[@igneousidol]

she is wise

[@Gannicus006]

​@@igneousidolnah she is obviously brainwashed by mainstream and ideologues.someday she will be in the real world she will be forced to get out of that little bubble she is in right now and will understand things better.

[@karmadog4565]

You’re kidding, right? Thank goodness your daughter is smarter than you are.

[@jeffhodge3147]

I spend my days listening to many like her. With that said I can honestly say I've never listened to anything more important, more heart-felt than this. I'm 70 years old and I have cancer on my back that will be removed on Dec 18th. I'm not afraid of dying. My children are grown and my affairs are in order. I lost my wife of over 50 years last year. The one thing that has bothered me is my youngest son voting for Trump. It's been really hard to accept that he would have a different political view. This Thursday I will sit down with him and his family for TG. It's something that I didn't think I could do this year. I've spent the last few weeks mulling it over and trying to come to terms with what seemed to be an insurmountable problem. After listening to PG's talk today, I realize that even this is just a part of life. Learning to accept the things I cannot change. Putting it in God's hands and being thankful for the lessons I've been given in life that help me become a better person. If you read this, know that you too can get past the hardship you're going through. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. Be it on this plain or the next. There is nothing to fear! I've watched Heaven Is For Real a dozen times. I read and seen the movie The Shack as many times as well. But today, made a difference for me. I thank God that this woman has been through worse than I can imagine and still has hope in her heart to share with the rest of us. PG. Thank you so much!!!!! God Bless. I have to follow this up with funny stuff like RockStar vid's that help me to laugh and understand my own little dog and cat. Laughter is the best medicine. Maybe it will make you laugh too. kzbin.info/www/bejne/r4qQgZSOhb2InLs

[@fred5399]

please live . i pray you to live God bless

[@Harkart59]

Your intelligence and tenacity literally saved your life. Thank you for telling us about this incredible experience. Much admiration for you. 💕

[@deniseelles4545]

Thank you so much Leigh 💚💜💙Your message is very much apprieciated. You are very wise.

[@corkyeden]

Inspirational. At home recovering from knee replacement surgery and feeling sorry for myself and the state of affairs in USA. You brought me back. At least for the next couple hours. Thank you!

[@grmpEqweer]

My mom has two metal knees. I encouraged her to get those knees. She's in her 70's, the more mobile she is, the longer I'll have her around. Best of luck with the healing process, you gotta move that knee. ❤

[@thelastminuteman7513]

That's the pills your doctor gave you. That's why it only lasts a few hours. Going to need a lot of those to get through four more years of peace and prosperity.

[@LeaC-lw8xl]

It will get better. The knee I mean. Ice is our friend.

[@JenniferMarieHankins]

Thank you Leigh! This was so needed today. This country is sick with an avoidable illness.

[@rwelter1]

Amazing! You go girl! keep telling the truth!

[@PegsFlamingoville]

Darling, you’re a hero to me. Thank you for all you do.

[@FrancisGilbert-w8y]

Hello dear, how are you doing today? Nice meeting with you, I would love being friends with you, thank you.

[@dinahmoore7002]

I’m a 76 yo white woman. I’ve been through many crisis in my life and appreciated hearing your story. I was devastated by the election results. I worked on many fronts for the Harris-Waltz campaign. I was saddened that our country will not experience the joy and progress and healing their leadership would have brought. BUT. I realized after one day that my life had brought much sadness and disappointment also. I never wallowed in it. I stood up and fought to correct the problem and my life got better. In fact, like you, it brought out a toughness I had never had to call on before and I too realized I was a better version of myself after having gone through the challenge. Well, what is different about this challenge? It’s not just my crisis, it’s all of our crisis. So let’s pull our big girl (boy) panties and ready ourselves to fight to get our country back. Thank you for always being there to explain complicated situations in terms we can understand. Stay well. Be happy. And carry on the fight. 💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙

[@mccommas2]

You are a Communist.

[@freeslave1968]

Y'all are liars. That's why you lost. No the truth and the truth shall make you free. If you refuse you will forever lose.

[@Kreigeirs]

@dinahmoore7002 im 37 i didn't support the harris-waltz because they were using the black n female vote and calling men sexist and racist that is not healing i even saw an ad stating men will have an easier time getting laid if they vote lol anyways what i'm stating that harris there's only a few instances she's actually talked to voters. And then the talk shows she did participate. Remind me bad mouthed trump and avoided/dodge questions or just used word salads to answer one.She didn't want to answer overall i found her incompetent, so I voted for Trump.

[@candyrosefreeman7232]

Miigweech Leigh McGowan. You Are A Brilliant Light And A Wonderful Role Model. Blessings And Truth For All.

[@TerryParsons1724]

You are loved Leigh more so for me since you make me proud to be Canadian you are the best of us and America is lucky to have you.

[@belladonnatook8851]

I absolutely concur!

[@Dougie1969]

Yeah Just what America needs, Another BS artist

[@belladonnatook8851]

@@Dougie1969 Dougie, hasn't your mother ever taught you that if you can't say anything nice don't say anything at all? You are a total embarrassment to her. And a total pain in the arse to the rest if us.

[@CathyLoveFerguson-gl9ts]

Agree 💯 % with Leigh

[@CathyLoveFerguson-gl9ts]

I know what mean with the eye-rolling...

[@cryptojohnny3921]

I feel you, I have COPD, caused by a Cpap Machine, now I have to buy $1000.00 worth of inhalers each month.. It's worse for me since this was caused by a company who wanted to save a few bucks and used toxic foam in the machine. I would feel slightly better if it was a natural thing, but no, company profits killed me.. God Bless You! Keep fighting Girl, we all love you!

[@Gibsonseven]

You have my heartfelt sympathy I too have COPD although my was self inflicted. I’m horrified that you have to afford such treatment at least here in the UK all my medicine is free because I’m over 60. I’m grateful I live in the UK your so called healthcare is appalling

[@grmpEqweer]

I take some of the same meds for asthma. I'm with a low-income, "Federally-qualified Health Center." Price of meds to the consumer is based on personal income. I was paying out of pocket a while back, I called it "lung rent." A little over $1000/month. I was, at one point, buying meds from Australia. These were about to expire, mind you. But much cheaper, by more than half. I imagine the Australian medical system sells them to recoup part of the cost, before they expire. Going to Mexico or Canada every 3 months and stocking up would probably be cheaper. (The US only allows in 3 months worth of meds)

[@jjohnson796]

Do you mind sharing what company made it? The only two companies I use (Respironics and ResMed) are made in the US and I have not seen that problem. Was your CPAP made in China?

[@TinaBradford-l2c]

You didn’t fail. You are valued and appreciated.

[@Dougie1969]

FAIL

[@TinaBradford-l2c]

@ shuttuppa your face! 😡

[@tkat6442]

I second that, Tina!

[@davidlaurence8923]

Wow, Leigh. That was one of the most powerful things I have heard in so long. It really hit home for me because I had a disease and disorder where the doctors had no clue of a cause, how to treat it beyond mediocre symptoms management, or how it eventually resolved. Thank you so much for sharing your story. It really put everything into perspective.

[@stevehurl298]

Quite an ordeal you've gone thru. Your strength and humanity have carried you on. Thank you for your insight, witness and wisdom.

[@WisconsinWanderer]

Leigh it seems I needed to hear your story, I hung on every word and I felt very sad you experienced a terrible health crisis that no one should endure. The treatment you experienced from so called “health professionals” was abhorrent, we have much to learn in this country but I’m so grateful to you and wishing you and your family the very best 😊

[@kmc3851]

Thank you, for your tenacity and honesty and vulnerability. Wow girl!

[@kathleenrussell5782]

Thank you for sharing. There's something completely transformative in facing death decades before you should. I'm grateful that your experience brought you through to the other side... and you are holding our hands

[@lyndadavid6976]

This was an outstanding episode all the way around. Much appreciated.

[@nordfresse]

I am so happy you survived that lung condition because we really need you right now. Also, if your son is anything like you, he will be a great force for good in the world as well. Happy holidays for the two of you and thank you for your amazing work!

[@benjaminlanham9454]

I thank you for sharing your strength. While I'm not 100% back for the fight I'm not giving up. Virginia has elections in 2025 and midterms are in 2026. All is not yet lost.

[@susangribble6830]

WE FINALLY HAVE HOPE FOR THE FIRST TIME IN FOUR YEARS❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@jamesharmon4994]

I'm nearly 70. I don't have any "fight" left in me. I'm bordering on homelessness and don't expect any "sympathy" from the incoming administration, only heartache.

[@belladonnatook8851]

Stand strong, brother. There are people out here, there is help in the darkness when you least expect it. A specially warm hug for you! 💖🤗💖

[@Luvpig]

Same

[@coleengoodell7523]

When you have nothing left, pray. It's powerful and your prayers reach to the very presence of God, who is all powerful. The only thing that God can't do is sin. I'll be praying for you James. May God be with you always.

[@diane-b2z]

I am 69 and just as worried about our futures. Remember not all Republicans are Maga, not all of them are worthless, hopefully some will have a spine and stop Trump. Please believe it is not in Trumps best interest to take away our benefits that we worked our whole lives for. And what will he do if he makes millions of elderly homeless by taking away our benefits? He cant and wont do that. At our age most of us have survived hard times we can do it again. I was hoping for peace in my old age but maybe something good will happen and Trump will be shown for the fraud he is and be thrown out. Just keep praying!!

[@jamesharmon4994]

@coleengoodell7523 I did, and Trump was elected anyway.

[@pattygioffre2366]

I'm so sorry for your exhausting & frightening continuing ordeal, Leigh. I've always admired you & your passion for politics but now I find it beyond inspirational. Your perspective on living life to its fullest is infectious. We lost 5 significant family members over 3 1/2 years, including my mom, my younger sister, my mom's brother & 2 other VERY close family members. I was the one taking care of everyone while my husband and I were raising our 4 children. Despite all of the neverending extended family medical drama, when the last family member passed in September of 2023, I managed to put all of my pent up no longer needed caretaker passion into this election. So when Kamala lost, in 1 way it felt like yet another death of sorts... the death of hope itself. Sharing your often horrible & challenging experience will help the rest of us to keep a healthy level of perspective. And your shining example, will motivate us to keep fighting the good & necessary fight. May God bless, watch over & hopefully restore you to full health 🙏♥️🙏 💙💙💙🇺🇸♥️🤍💙🇺🇸💙💙💙

[@Needabreak365]

My sister went to the hospital because she was urinating blood clots. The doctor told her she was probably on her period. She was 30 with three kids. Pretty sure she knows how tampons work. She insisted they do tests, he refused so she insisted on another doctor and refused to leave untill she got tests. She had kidney cancer. The he doctor who told her it was her period saw her at the hospital the next day, after the MrI confirmed cancer, and said “you’re still here? Don’t you think you’re being dramatic over a kidney infection?” I was there by then and as she cried, told him he was an egotistical ass who should hang up his white coat. Then told him her diagnosis. He went white. I hope he thinks about that still.

[@homerroad]

If he is still alive.

[@joanneperry8021]

Misogyny and over the top ego...guess that Dr wasn't at the top.of his class. Hopefully he got some humility and changed his ways. You did a good deed. I hope your sister is a survivor and your whole family are celebrating.

[@garydaniels5495]

There are some dumb doctors in this world. Too many of them don't listen, or want to listen to their patients.

[@Anna-qj2gv]

That was powerful, thank you

[@FlowerWater]

Very Inspiring. You speak very powerfully,. Your message is important.

[@notjustanotherguy739]

As a nurse, stories like yours is what I carry with me when I care for our patients. Thank you for sharing! 💜🩷

[@MariaKatsaros-MolzahnEd.D]

Thank you for sharing your truth. You are an inspiration!

[@ChristinaRafferty-h7x]

I liked you before I heard your story, now you are my hero. I have been a nurse for 27 years and I have seen this story over and over. I thank god you have such a brave heart 💜

[@lindaendlich5862]

Thank you for this post (all your posts really), they seem to arrive when I need them the most. This one is a reminder of everyone out there who will also fight to remain strong & true to themselves as we try to move forward with dignity & respect in our common quest for an ethical way to walk through a crazy world that seems to have forgotten what matters most. Your posts are always foundational & concise. I truly value your perspective. I rarely engage in any social media posts but I wanted to thank you for fighting the good fight every day, even when it’s hard. Voices like yours are crucial.

[@home_internet_security]

For the past nearly five minutes I have been sitting here just looking at the 'end' screen of twelve thumbnails... utterly discombobulated... My mind focussed near solely on a self-analysis of thoughts on what your testament imparted upon me. Emotionally, I confess my feelings of empathy pegged out at max; horrified at what you experienced and are clearly yet to experience; and a little in awe that, from the clearly depths of despair, you have managed through an inner strength to dig your way back up and out of that "hole" to decide to fight for your life. I congratulate you on defying expectations. And I feel honoured you have shared your story with us. Now I have to walk away from the computer for a few minutes to calm my own inner turmoil, think further upon your words of clear wisdom, and reset. Thankyou.

[@kathrynsheehan7727]

Thank you Leigh.

[@debrak2010]

Thank you for sharing your amazing story! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family, and I look forward to your next show!

[@cheryldavis7813]

Thank you Leigh for sharing your story. I can relate personally. I was diagnosed with a terminal illness and given two years to live when I had four children aged from 7 to 14 approx. Years later I am still here and they are adults with children of their own. Living with the metaphorical sword of Damocles over you does change your perspective on life. Like you it has meant that I live intentionally and focus on what really matters. My question to myself in place of fear is “Have I actually lived? Has my life made a difference for those I can reach?” Many years ago, when I was a very young woman and with no idea what lay ahead I visited a place called Pitchy Richy in the centre of Australia. It means “the break in the range” in the language of the indigenous people who live in that area. Someone had erected a plaque on a large rock at that place. It said: Lord give me courage to change the things I can Serenity to accept the things I cannot change And wisdom to know the difference.” That prayer has been a North Star guiding me all my life. Pitchy Richy. The break in the range. The way through. I am praying for you Leigh and will become a paid subscriber as soon as I can afford it. Your message today has not influenced that decision. I had already made that a goal because you my dear make a difference.

[@BeverlyRubino-xp1xj]

I know this episode was hard, Leah... thank you ever so much for sharing. Going thru a similar time where I wish I could just claw my mangled heart out of my chest so the grief-pain will stop... but I can't. Every day when I find myself awake again I know there's a reason I'm still here. I get up, give thanks, and find someone who needs my help, and I give it. I force myself not to focus on the fear we all are living under socio-politically, and instead make myself focus on each minute I find myself in, because the past and the future are inaccessible-- we only truly have the NOW, as it unfolds moment by moment, to live in. I string those pearls together, and work to make them beautiful. We are ALL so very grateful for your work, knowledge, and willingness to share, to educate us and also to give us direction. I want to help you...

[@wendyrimmer57]

Canada will welcome you and family ! You are a shining light

[@LeaC-lw8xl]

Thank you Leigh. Grateful for you!

[@anitaoakley9437]

Thanks for the perspective. I REALLY needed it.

[@KathyT-o3p]

Wow... Thank you!!! Thank you for being you and sharing with us. Just... Thank you!!!

[@lindanannini-ug1lt]

Thank you Leigh. May you continue to have good health. 🎉

[@christinehavens2846]

Thank you for sharing your story.

[@aric117]

We need more people like you

[@lynwilson4773]

Thank you Leigh, and through advesity.we are deemed ready to receive all the goodness and light that the Universe has for us. 🙏😇💙

[@FrancisGilbert-w8y]

Hello dear, how are you doing today? Nice meeting with you, I would love being friends with you, thank you.

[@dougking7331]

Leigh, thank you for all you do. You give me hope when there are bleak times ahead.

[@Fyrestar101]

Thank you for sharing your story and thank you for sharing your strong words for our future. Happy Thanksgiving 🫶

[@ann5944]

your story made me cry ❤ your strength is incredible 💜

[@roguereemerged]

Needed this and SO TRUE.

[@wendyrimmer57]

You have not failed

[@randydavisman]

Leigh, thanks for sharing your journey. My son was born with pulmonary hypertension and we were told he wouldn't live. He was the sickest baby in NICU, Those were some of the darkest days of my life., but with treatments of intubated oxygen mixed with nitric oxide, he did live. He is now engaged to be married next year. I'm believing for your continued health.

[@goldenk9s3]

Thank you for sharing your story. Being dismissed by doctors is so demeaning, wait until you are older, it unfortunately gets worse. Thank you for your hope, I needed to listen to this today. Happy Thanksgiving for you and your family!

[@crash24420]

You have not failed Lee. You are the best content creator out here. You are the voice I need to hear and I love you for it. I’m sure others feel the same way. Thank you for sharing your story …you are an inspiration for us all.

[@wendyrimmer57]

You are an amazing woman Leigh ! I worry about you ! Even though I don’t know you as you only deserve the best!

[@KarenAlexandrite-aka-PinkRose]

Bless you, Leigh! Thank you for sharing your story. We are so very blessed to have you. May you and your family have a lovely and enjoyable holiday season. 🙏🏻🩷

[@judybargenquast7669]

Thank you for sharing your personal story. I understand your struggle and the determination it has taken for you to continue to move forward. I had lung cancer at 21 and lost a lung. There were days I thought people were hiding the truth that I would die. I am 70 years old now and do quite a lot of things that some could not do at 70 with 2 good lungs. There are good surprises and no matter how bad things get there still are sweet moments to enjoy as long as we are still living.❤ And yes, I am angry that Trump is free to torment our country and the rest of the world.

[@FrancisGilbert-w8y]

Hello dear, how are you doing today? Nice meeting with you, I would love being friends with you, thank you.

[@niden56]

Love you Lee, thank you for all you do. To better our country. Down with controlling people. Down with fascism.

[@peacelove2.0.69]

A touching story PG. It's in all the holidays year long that I miss my son so much. But he's my Angel now. Enjoy all your holidays with your love ones without divisions

[@cassieeckenrode1985]

WOW! I cannot express my gratitude that you were courageous enough to share your story. This has drastically shifted my perspective. I will come back and rewatch this many times I'm sure in the upcoming months and beyond. It's the only thing that has given me a glimmer of hope or makes any sense to me. And, I have been desperately searching for something to get me out of this dark mood I've been in since the election (something I've never experienced before because of an election). THANK YOU!

[@tracyzimmerman7912]

I don't know what my future holds. I'm disabled on SSDI. I don't know if this will lead to real suffering. I have Mental illnesses and MS. I fear that I might have to stop my treatments for my MS. I don't know if I can still stay on my meds for my mental health. I'm so very scared. Hope is hard for me to accept because hope seem like a beautiful lie.

[@suzannechance5876]

You got this! You have everything you need inside you. I am in much the same position and have to struggle every day to stay alive. The reality of it is that we live with uncertainty, don't we? I wish you peace and grace throughout whatever you face.!

[@drakecameronsterling1549]

Thank you for sharing your authentic self and your vulnerable history. I am touched and encouraged by your story 🙏 Happy Thanksgiving.

[@TheNativeFixer]

I just turned 66, I am so grateful I didn’t have to go through what you are, I was always concerned about who would be there to take care of my family. My children are young adults now, I didn’t miss a thing, I am at peace with my future and reality.

[@Crowned744]

Dang girl! You're truly a rockstar!

[@gregerianne3880]

Wow, Leigh. Thank you so very much for sharing your experiences with us. I know that must have been hard. I can't even imagine how difficult it must have been for you to go through that, nor can I imagine myself being as strong as you were --- as you are -- after going through that horror. No, Leigh, you haven't failed by any stretch of the imagination and I think you're right where you should be. You make a profound difference in peoples' lives every single day. With every broadcast, your drive and strength helps thousand of us gain information, perspective, and yes, even hope. You are the BEST of us and an example for each of us. I'm so glad I found you and a little more thankful this Holiday because of that. Thank you again, and Happy Thanksgiving!

[@serconnell]

Thank you, so much. I really needed that. Happy Thanksgiving to you also.

[@TheSweetsherrypie]

I would have never guessed you were sick. You are amazing 🤩 one of my favorites.

[@mphoramathe1801]

Thanks for reminding me of a lot of important lessons that were getting obscured by the stress and noise.. was in a coma for a couple of days last xmas after a seizure. Let's leep appreciating every day and use each one to the fullest!

[@ThorneIdentity]

needed this.

[@roycavins1621]

I'm a subscriber but I don't listen to every broadcast. I'm so glad I listened to this one! Not only did I listen to it but I listened to it a second time with my wife. This talk was so compelling everyone should hear it. This is your best ever broadcast.

[@rhondakoenig6452]

Leigh, I have felt like I failed… my friends and I worked so hard… we have felt the party failed us also… but we have our heads above water again and are ready to fight

[@peggyryan9898]

thank you for sharing your life , it helped

[@Huddie400]

That was beautiful and well-timed Leigh. Thank you for sharing your story to those of us who didn’t know your health challenges. I retire in May and I don’t know whether to stay in this country or to leave.

[@FrancisGilbert-w8y]

Hello dear, how are you doing today? Nice meeting with you, I would love being friends with you, thank you.

[@riffrand3706]

The best to you and your family this holiday season 😊

[@sylviahoffman9440]

Leigh you always know what to say just when we need it. Thank you also for being so brave and share your story and apply your lessons to what we are going through. Amazing lesson. Thanks. Love and hugs to you and your beautiful family.

[@catsgodot1279]

I came across your video from MeidasTouch. And I’m so thankful I did. The end of the video started to make me cry-and I’m not one who shows sadness easily. I shared your video, as a reminder to my friends and family, and as an insight on what drives me. Your story is similar to mine, and I think we share roughly mindset. When I was 18, I was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma. In the mid 90s, it was usually very treatable-a survivability rate of 94-96%. I was the outlier. After ending my chemo to start radiation treatment, the cancer grew back, very aggressively. I had to have high dosage chemo. The end result is that my body became very damaged-I became diabetic due to the damage to my pancreas, and now have stage 4 cirrhosis of the liver. I was quoted that I had about 5% chance of survival; and, even then, don’t expect to live more than 5 years. That was more than 25 years ago. And every day for those 25 years I ask myself: “okay, I’m still here. Why?” When my son was born 10 years ago, it made a little more sense. I was here, to watch him. He is special needs, and needs a patient and loving set of parents. He is full of joy, so carefree. He’s amazing. But I know that I won’t be here for much longer, from a result of damage to my liver. I want to make every day with him count. There’s some more that happened with our family, which I won’t go into on social media, but every instance only cemented why I am still alive: to protect my family. But you’re right: when you’re at that precipice of death-when death seems more likely that survival-it puts everything into perspective. It makes you really, clearly see what is and is not important. I realized the other day, when talking with a family member who legally immigrated here, realizing that Trump may still deport him, that I would have offered sanctuary at our home. And I realized: I didn’t even hesitate. Didn’t even consider the consequences. He’s family, and I’d sooner lay down my life than let anything harm him. And through all what I’ve been through, I also embraced what you said: be a good person. THAT is important. The world needs good people like us. We need to keep that glow, even if it feels like we’re surrounded by darkness. I want my son to be a good person. It always hits me hard when I see him try to help his peers without prompting-if someone’s sad, he wants to make him happy. That’s his nature. That’s who he is. And I don’t want that amazing glow to disappear. This light and warmth, we all need. And we need each other to remind ourselves just how important that warmth is, and that we’re not alone, even if it feels like it. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@skeeterinnewjersey5256]

You are just what I needed today. I feel deeply how it must feel to get such news. I was on the other end of the equation. I stood at my husband's bedside 28 years ago and watched him slip away from me and I couldn't do a damn thing to stop it. He was 48. I sat in the parking lot at 3am and begged God to take me instead. About then one of the chaplains came out and we talked awhile. I asked him "Chaplain, why him? Why take him?" He answered with incredible honesty. "Why not?" It tore my heart out, and I raged against it for those last terrible days. But it changed my perspective on life. I have never taken a single day for granted since. Often I wanted to die myself. It still goes through my thoughts at times. I have lost any family relationships due to this election. I still wonder at times why I'm still here. Then someone comes around for me to help, and I eat up the chance like I was starving. So I keep trudging along, looking for whatever is left for me to do. Hopefully I can help in the fight that's ahead. In his memory I will do whatever is necessary. Thank you.

[@OneAdam12Adam]

Thank you for your candor, Leigh. What strength you show the world. By the way, I still think we need to head Timothy Snyder. Plus I think we need to defend ourselves more aggressively

[@mbrightster]

You have eluded to your personal story before. This was eye opening jaw dropping. We all have our crosses to bear. I would not trade with you for anything. And, trust me, you would notctradexwith me. Thank you for sharing. You are an inspiration to us all. We will keep up the struggle for the Arc towards justice, especially with you helping to shine a light.

[@sleepyspacegremlin]

I had to unsubscribe from a lot of my news channels because I was just getting sicker & sicker (mentally, physically, spiritually). My doctor said, "How do you expect to help others (my goal) if you don't take care of yourself first?" So I realized the stress was making things worse. I'm glad that you also offer hope on your channel. Doctors are f_cking *ssholes sometimes.

[@rbdreamsart]

Very inspiring message. Thanks! May you have many more years of good health.