Recently, I asked Ross Granger to give me a quote that summed up what inspiration and success means to him. He answered me back promptly to send me this eloquent quote by Friedrich Nietzsche, “To live is to suffer, to survive is to find some meaning in the suffering.” It was fitting for this article because Ross has always done just this, he has always found meaning in the suffering of life. Today and everyday onward proves to be no different for him especially given his current circumstances.
This past summer, Ross was diagnosed with a low-grade tumor on his brainstem. Although, the blow was devastating at the moment, he now uses his diagnosis as way of inspiring multitudes of people across the country.
Before I get into the point of this article, I would like to declare something. When I first tackled this subject, I knew all of the words I wanted to put down. I knew what words would better express how I feel about this situation but in the end, none of them made sense when I finally strung them together. They all seemed just too wrong or too vague. I learned, first hand, that there is no easy way to approach such a sensitive topic. It’s always such a difficult and delicate thing to write about someone else and the hardships they may be enduring. In the end, the easiest solution to this, for me at least, was to just write what comes to my mind. Luckily, with the blessing and go-ahead from Mr. Ross Granger himself, I am ready to tackle the topic head on and rally up little inspiration in us all, as well as some WUKAR.
My main reasoning for writing this article was to show that anyone can make the best of any situation they may be in. Also, to express that it is an ignorant mindset to think that there will never be a day that we receive breathtaking, devastating news. No matter how healthy and young we are. It is also ignorant to tip-toe around the subject, as if ignoring the thought that something that has changed your life in the blink-of-an-eye can miraculously keep the reality of it at bay. The honest truth is that it can’t.
Ross is a prime example of this. He was set to play baseball for Louisiana State University at Eunice and make an even bigger name for himself on the baseball diamond. He was Mr. Most Likely to Succeed and one of many class valedictorians for our graduating class. He still is all of these things and more now. Ross Granger, or Granger Danger as he is also known in our tiny community (hence the title), is beating odds and uplifting the spirits of many who know him with his always positive, encouraging attitude. The young man, who is wise beyond his years and provides quality insight to all, doesn’t let the hand he was dealt determine his future though. He makes the most of his life every day.
So, when I state it can happen to the most bright-eyed and healthy person, I truly mean it because it can.
A major factor that plays into his positivity is his family. Ross’ expansive, yet hard-working family have always been his number one fans and his biggest support system. The family’s strong faith also serves as a beacon of hope in an otherwise turbulent time.
Also, the Erath community is serving as a pillar to lean on. Time and time again, the community as stood alongside one of their own to show support and love whether it be a tragic loss, such as the one involving dear teacher Mrs. Amy Noel, or flood waters that threaten businesses and homes. Erath, which likens to a modern day Mayberry, comes together to uplift one of our own in a time of need.
No matter the situation, it’s always best to find a silver lining and surround yourself with people who love and support you. Always find something that is worth suffering for in life. Never let the cards dealt to you determine your future.
His compassionate and humble personality also help to keep him and others hopeful during such a hectic time in his life. Most people in this situation would have a negative outlook on life but Ross, on the other hand, uses his situation to inspire himself and others.
Ross, with the abundance of positivity he possesses and the amazing support system behind him, will survive the darkest of times to accomplish all his dreams and life goals.
Granger Danger is the boy that can and will overcome all his biggest obstacles.
