The butterfly effect is part of the chaos theory. It basically describes the phenomenon that a slight change in the universe, like the flap of a butterfly’s wings, can set off a series of much larger events—like a tornado.
I believe this can be applied to the actions of human beings too, and so does Logan Aldridge. When he was 13 years old, the Raleigh native lost his left arm in a boating accident. Today, he is a leader in the adaptive athlete world, recently winning the title of “Strongest One-Armed Man on Earth.”
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His refusal to give up has inspired so many others online and in real life. Nine other athletes with physical challenges have joined Neuse River Crossfit where he trains because of his example, and they too are now changing their lives.
So, to truly understand where this amazing young man came from, I decided to reach out to his mother, Lisa Glenn. I asked her about her concerns for her son right after the accident.
“Logan was such a determined and athletic child," Lisa said. "My first fear was focused on what he wouldn't be able to do and how to protect him from feeling hopeless and discouraged.”
Lisa recalls her son catching his image one day in the reflection in the hospital window. It stopped him in his tracks. They both sat down on the bed and cried. But not too long after that, Lisa says Logan began to accept his situation. A large part of it was reading inspirational messages from family and friends who believed in him. She invited a friend who had lost his arm to come to hospital and speak with her son.
“He has such a calm demeanor and simply talked to him about his abilities and what could be some of his frustrations.," Lisa said. "He unbuckled his pants and dropped them to the floor then showed Logan how to get dressed and tie his shoes.”
Ironically, besides being a champion of Crossfit, these are some of the tasks that Logan coaches others on—simple tasks that mean the difference between dependence and independence—how to cut your nails or fasten a belt.
When Logan returned to eighth grade at Ravenscroft in the fall, his teacher asked him to share his experience with his classmates.
“This was the moment,” Lisa says. “Listening to him tell what happened and how life was different for him was so healing for Logan as well as everyone in his class. He truly shined in front of others; sharing and answering concerns. He asked them not to treat him differently--such grace, humor and determination.”
Lisa says her son has taught her so much about life through his example.
“I have learned how to be compassionate and respectful to those with differences. To have courage and to be encouraging to others,” Lisa says. She has also learned about the power of small gestures to make a big difference in other people’s lives. “Speaking to a stranger or offering encouragement to a stranger is so powerful. He truly NEVER said ‘Why me?’ or ‘I can't’. He made me a better person," she said.
Logan thinks his mother was already a pretty good person. He remembers, during the ride to the hospital, asking her what was going to happen if he lost his arm. Her response: "It's just an arm." These four words became Logan’s mantra.
In my opinion, Logan and Lisa are true examples of the positive ramifications of “the butterfly effect.” Small gestures can lead to big, positive changes in other people’s lives. Words matter. Compassion matters. Setting an example matters. So, go ahead, flap your wings, you may be changing someone’s life an ocean away…
Amanda is the mom of two, a reporter for WRAL-TV and the author of several books including some on motherhood. Find her here on Mondays.