Link to the Local News Story Coverage: www.king5.com/article/news/local/seattle/seattle-man-says-he-was-struck-by-lightning/281-571685872 My artwork: Www.instagram.com/alexanderjwilliamson/ And www.somainkdesigns.com
Thank you for sharing❤ I started with Father Fish this year and through my You tube watching I came across your channel. I've been blown away by your in depth scientific knowledge of fish keeping. I just saw your Nov. 17th video where you are ready to move into a new chapter, recognizing that your hobby has gotten stagnant. Listening to this video Im thinking maybe your creativity is getting stoked up again as you are healing from this trauma in your body and soul. All the best, I look forward to following where your fish keeping leads to next❤
I'm 6 months sober from prescription abuse while also needing pain relief and honestly aquariums are one of my main coping mechanisms whenever I really get the urge I mess with my tank. It's almost like meditation and eventually the urge goes away and I'm still on pain medication but I don't abuse them at all. I really relate to you on that level brother.
Good for you my friend! It's so incredibly hard. The aquariums will give you purpose and goals for short and long term... and just sooth you and reduce blood pressure and pain... (they don't know why still.) But thanks for sharing. Stay strong 💪 you got this bro!
When you come to FL you need to be very careful! It can lightning out of nowhere, even in blue skies. Tampa is another word for lightning! A person who has lived through a lightning strike has a higher chance of getting hit again. You've been charged! You are indeed a very lucky person! So glad you are still here!
Thank you. And yes, im in Tampa for aquarium related reasons a few times a year...and i love that i can see the lightning but still remain inside down there. In Seattle it just appears and due to the houses, trees and hills you see a few flashes, but then its overhead suddenly
The secret history living inside Alex. What a touching story I’m glad you are all right and getting even better after enduring so much. you are really strong keeping up your life after this “rebirth”. ❤❤
A hard card you were dealt. Of course the US Health System compounds the stress. Understatement!! I lived in the states for 5 and a half years (in San Francisco). But I was relatively young then and got by with free clinics and the wonderful public SF General Hospital. I did have insurance through work for my last year. It was so refreshing to able to see a Doctor... The same Doctor. And by appointment. But I'm now in middle age and back in Ireland. So re the states it's now a case of no country for old men! Anyway keep on rockin young Dude. 😊
Thank you, Alexander, for sharing your story with us. Gosh! What a way to get perspective, yes? Please continue to give us your insights from this experience. As you grow deeper in the appreciation for life, please, tell us about it; we all benefit. Your life motivates me to live a better life myself. Thanks for that.
I don't normally comment, but I watch a lot of your videos. Such a touching story. 😢 I'm so sorry you had to go through this. Strongly I feel that everything you have sacrificed will one day be given back tenfold. Bought a tear to my eye. Hang in there my friend
Thank you so much. I already feel grateful for what i get back every day from this community. Hopefully we keep building from here. Have a great weekend!
I am a 36 year old Paraplegic from flipping into a bunch of trees Feb. 15th, 2011, and I understand and emphasize with your pain. I'm sorry buddy. Thank you for telling your story...I know that gets old quick lol. Mary Jane is the only thing I got to ease my pain, and stop muscle spasms...but I have a feeling you know it helps a little 😉
@fishtory ❤ you know I’ve been in the aquarium hobby for all of about three months, and I am so grateful to have it in my life to it. It does, in fact, address a lot of my own physical limitations, and how I express my creativity and my love for animals. I have multiple sclerosis I am 53 years old and I was diagnosed in 2009. No thanks to a really bad neurologist to when I was 26 years old said I was more likely crazy and unstable. Adding that he thought that I needed a psychologist and not a neurologist. Putting that all in perspective, I then took a few years off like nine until I knew my next MRI would show every single lesion that they could not turn me down, and that they would finally diagnosed me with multiple sclerosis even though I knew I had it since I was very young in my 20s. The aquarium hobby has helped me, Xpress, my own, artistic and creative abilities. He’ll be at limited, however, I am still a painter, and I have really been getting into WatercolorPainting, and have even started to paint every single day, and I found it to be completely soothing and peaceful. But still that didn’t factor in my love for animals and might need to care for them so we need to bring I guess more animals inside for me to love. This is too long I’m sure, but I just want to give some updates on my channel. You’ll see all the animals I have now I have not gotten rid of any of them. Just getting a little bit more taxing in a little bit more difficult for me to take care of them, so I probably will not get more horses or another donkey, although maybe still another donkey. Because I love them and they’re so special. The first time I came to your channel during a live stream one of your members gave me a membership as a gift and I thought that was absolutely wonderful of that person, but what I didn’t realize is that the gift was it was a gateway for me it was it was a channel for my need to encourage and love other people because that’s my gift from God is I am an encourager and I am faithful so when I wear his watch today’s video I thought ha ha there it is! You are now a member of my family and I am a member of your family to and I’m grateful to know you and meet you. My husband also has to take a biologic. He has a terrible time with his skin. I suspect it’s multiple sclerosis, but the doctor, although they did see six lesions on his brain when he had a stroke last year in July around this time, they would not diagnosed him because he’s 62 and those lesions appear to be probable at that age. Thankfully the biologic Demelza pad, New Mexico bad I don’t know what it’s called but thankfully he did get a free year of them and hopefully our income level because we’re retired and I’m disabled he’ll be able to continue the the injections to biologic and it seems to be helping so far not quite quick enough for the summer but next summer we’re really looking good I appreciate you. I love you and I pray for you. And lastly, I admire you, because it takes a lot to come back from having your entire life, or raced to finding a new way to live. I applaud you. ❤
I also use cännábîś medicinally for an autoimmune disorder that causes severe inflammation and pain. It has legitimately been a life saver. I can still live a productive life using low dose edibles. I resisted trying it for a long time because of the stigma and years of propaganda about it. It is however, legitimate medicine and I thank my physician for finally getting through to me so I’d try it.
GOD touched you Alexander ! And HE decided you should live to tell of the experience ! being struck by lightning is extremely rare and living through it is even rarer. there is something special about you , you have something you are to do in this life , something important ! you will know what that thing is when the moment arrives. sometimes you may feel cursed, but in fact you are blessed ! I love you Alexander, Brother, you have greatness in. you !
Son - - - you are a fantastic teacher! Been watching you for over a year and I’ve often thought you are so gifted in that area. I’ve learned the most from you about fish. And lightening. And you are interesting to listen to. Not everybody has that gift. Use it.
Your sharing this with us is such a privilege. I seriously ache for you, and hope life continues, if slowly, for you and your wife. Aggressive chemo and then a massive stroke, has changed my life, so i identify with your feelings of loss of self. Every day is a conscious battle to put one foot in front of the other, but I have put up 1 little 10 gal. tank, with a few nano fish. It’s a blessing after loosing so much of my life. Bless all who suffer any sort of affliction. ❤️
It’s like the earth reached through your body and mind to touch the sky and got tangled up with who you are in the process. It does not surprise me that you now feel a connection that was not there before.
I came to find your page looking for advice about fish after being gifted one of my friends tanks after he passed from cancer; not wanting to f#ck up his work and honor his love for aquariums. That was a truly amazing and deep story. I was not expecting to be moved. Thank you for telling it. I live in QLD Australia where lightning is prolific. I was in a car as a child driving through shallow flood waters and it had struck either right beside us or maybe the car but had found a path around the rubber tyres idk, but that feeling you described of the air changing and hair standing up I have felt. I get your love for lightning, I love it too. Hope it all goes well with your teeth.
@Fishtory no no - shall not! You might guess that the appeal of your vlog to me is that you don't take the sales approach so many do! Not that I begrudge anyone making a living, but i don't want to go down the high-priced commercialized aquarium shop route to enjoy my little nature fix. That and I'm a gardener at heart.
DUDE. WOW. I’ve watched lots of your videos, and found this one while searching your channel for something else. I too am drawn to storms/lightning, and have always joked thats how I’d choose to die. Hearing your survival story blew my mind, just know that my heart goes out to you and your family, and I wish I could give you a big hug. Thank you for what you do, and for letting us get to know you a little better. All the hugs!
You are amazing Alex. I have learned so much from you. Keep the positive attitude and thanks for sharing. Glad you keep trucking along. Really appreciate what you do on RUclips and keep it up as long as you can. You are a inspiration and I will add you to my prayers.
We, who have survived experiences, recognize the spirits of like souls. There are mottos I carry from my journey which seems to cover you,and your incredibme journey, shared here. Thank you. Mottos: Life, is a journey. Be flexible. Stay vigilant. Bend, don't break. Bloom where you are planted. Love, and be loved. You, be HaPpY, too. ✌🏼🙏🏼🖖🏼💕 So HaPpY you and yours have one another to rally through. May needed answers continue to arrive to you folks. 💞🎶🧜🏻♀️🐠🐾 What an incredible share. Thank you. 🥰
My God, Alex, that was hard to hear, I can't imagine how you feel talking about it, let alone living throutgh it. Love you, man, so sorry it happened. Thank you for sharing
Thank you. It felt good. Sometimes im up for night after night in pain...and i get in my own head... this time i figured id just explain who i am a little more. Thank you for listening. For being an empathetic human and fish lover. Have a wondeful week
Even if parts of the fish hobby you make videos of don't apply to me, I still enjoy listening in to what you say. Your videos have been my usual for long car rides and am happy you put out discussions that are worth watching.
My heart goes out to you. My life changing event..bacterial meningitis…occurred when I was 50. I had struggled from childhood with neurological and autoimmune disorders and constant pain but that illness ended my life as I knew it and who I thought was…so much of how we define ourselves is physical. I’ve had multiple close calls with death and I don’t think people who have been fortunate enough not to have those experiences can understand the impact. The whole doctor thing is traumatic in and of itself, both financially and how painful it can be both physically and emotionally. I have a pretty good idea what it takes to survive something like this. I can’t express how much I admire your courage and strength.
Thank you for sharing. Im very sorry for your hardships also, but in the end...you are correct that it makes us who we are at the end of the day. And probably for the better, when you learn to not stress the little things in the ways you once did prior to something like this. Have a great week. Cheers
Hearing stories like this really puts things into prospective. We work and work and work, just to have a little money for our family and try to do things with them on the weekends. We really should be squeezing the most out of every day we have with our loved ones. Thanks for reminding me to make time for what really matters. 💜 I hope you can continue to do what you love, and make a living out of it.
Thank you. And 100% every day is a gift and every one you know a unique treasure...even if we get tired of the treasures from time to time haha. Have a good week
I remember you talk in2018 ,I can see how this event has changed your life.. all I can say at this point is, you are extraordinary my friend. And thank god you survived.🙏
Wow…what a journey you have had…I saw this after watching your current situation. You should be proud of yourself for how far you’ve come and we are proud of you.
Thank you. It is just wild the number of odd injuries I seem to aquire lol. This channel chronicles my luck well though. I'm so fortunate in many ways.... but random health events is not one of my strong suits. Thank you for the kind words!
I don't have a lot, but I can't imagine how much harder things would be after something like that. You are an inspiration, to say the least. I joined your channel as a member and plan to keep that up for a least a year (but hopefully indefinitely). It's not as much as I wish I could do, but I hope it helps at least a little. Also, thank you for all the excellent content over the years. Stay strong bro
@Fishtory It does not matter! I was going to email you because I wanted to share with you my experiences at the microscope looking at aquarium things and fish tissues. I prepare histologic slides of my fish after they die to try to identify the diseases. I am a pathologist for humans, not for animals, and I am learning a lot of things. You inspire me with your curiosity.
I recently started paying the $1.99 a month to support your channel. This is the first and likely to be the only time I've given money to a RUclips channel, but if that's all it takes to make it possible for someone like you to do this then it's money well spent. I've learned so much from this channel - both directly and through all the little research rabbit holes that your videos have sent me down - and it has been a joy to discover that there are content creators who view fish with the same sense of wonder as I do. The thing I want to specifically compliment you on beyond all of that, however, is your passion for the hobby. Fishkeeping isn't just something I do in my free time - it's everything to me. I've learned so much from just sitting in front of my tanks and observing. I spend my summers out in the creeks nearby to watch the blueheads and all of their little nest cohabitants in spawning colors. I collect random samples of water and see what sort of microfauna I can cultivate. And while I'm doing these things, I'm learning about myself and my place in the universe in addition to the fish. There's always something new to discover and it's easy to see that that's what drives you forward in this. Anyway, I'm constantly amazed by your knowledge and I'm impressed with how vulnerable you've allowed yourself to be in this space that you've carved out for yourself. Great work, you ought to be extremely proud of what you've created here.
I wanted to say so much more that relates but didn't know how alex. My heart goes out to you my man, not being able to have kids is next level man and i can relate along with the medicines that have their own long term problems but ill leave it at that and just send so much love your way ❤
You are one strong guy. And after the dentistry and bills are paid, you will do so much more! I admire you for understanding all of what you told us, amqzing! Thank you for this video.😊
Holy crap! It’s a miracle you survived that. I’ve experienced the weird static electricity thing when lightning struck about 50yards from me. After listening to your story somehow my problems seem trivial. I’m definitely inspired by your resilience, and determination. You are an incredible person.
Thank you kindly...i feel the same way. Im blessed, many others have far more troubles. I am eternally grateful for the life i have and the beauty around us.
Alex , I was so moved listening to your story. I can not even begin to imagine the struggle you went through , the fact that it was trivialised is simply awful. I can see your pain in retelling your story and I know you have a longer road ahead of you. But your strength is incredible, with the support of your family you’ll just get stronger and stronger. I have an even larger amount of awe for the content you put out. I’ve always appreciated the deep dive videos but knowing that pull you feel that draws you in just makes so much sense . It’s important you put your health first. You show your artistry with your tanks and your words still, don’t devalue that. Keep healing buddy .
You're an interesting dude with a lifetime of experiences; a great story teller and historian. I'm very happy to have found your channel and I wish you better luck in your future because damn, them has been some shitty cards you've been dealt. Thank you for not giving up because you've been an inspiration to a lot of people....Pete
Alexander I never even knew any of this I am just watching your Chanel as I though you just get the eco system so well and literally I’m learning from it . I’m so sad as I had a thought or two of your looks and I feel a heart ache now how I judged . I wish all working out for you bit by bit as I feel you’re coping to the best of abilities , keep positive Alexander as that can literally save you . A big big hug to you , keep sharing your wonderful understanding about fish keeping
God bless you man. You’ve been through so much and still remain so humble. You’re an inspiration to us all and you deserve only the best. Even if we were to tally up all the people you’ve helped and brought joy to up until this point, it would be endless. But you’ve got your whole lifetime left to keep pursuing what brings you fulfillment. Fate has brought everyone to where they are today and every stage of our lives, good or bad at the time, is just a stepping stone to the next one on the path. Enjoy the one you’re on and appreciate all the ones you’ve pushed through but never stop looking forward. I pray that your journey only gets better from here. Thank you for all you do, from the bottom of my heart.
Just recently became a kinder- gardener well more line a preschooler in the Fisk keeping hobby. I came across your channel and found so much help, insight and joy in your videos. This video was very brave! Thank you for sharing. A lot of us are in uncomfortable possibly shameful situations and would never think to share these experiences. That being said, I’ve heard psychedelics have worked WONDERS for a lot of afflictions. I’ve watched testimonial videos from our veterans that have used Ibogaine and 5 MEO DMT for PTSD, depression, anxiety, and it helped. I wonder if you would be a candidate for those kinds of medicine. I’m not sure how ot would impact other medical conditions you have mentioned but maybe it’s worth a look. Hope the best for you and sending well wishes, GODSPEED. 🙏🏼
Thank you kindly. Ill keep it a bit vague, but yes i have used psilocybin to impressive effect, and hope to try ketamine and or a few other psychoactives. But thank you for mentioning this! 5 meo dmt/dpt is something i tried 15 years ago actually, but for different reasons hehe.
I do remember when this happened to you. Just happened to pop in and found this review vid. So very sorry that you've endured such hardships in the meantime.😢 I left fishy youtube podcasts for a while during covid madness and my indirect resulting retirement. My life is slightly restructured but I I still have two 50gal tanks. Decided to tear one down for a painting project in the house. Your overstock vid was helpful as all fish are now in one tank! I'm glad to see that you are persevering in your upbeat optimistic way. Im sure it's difficult. But true wisdom is rarely gained in easy ways. You and Laura are such a cute couple and you are lucky to have each other!❤❤ Wishing you both the very best.
In any case, I am so glad you're alive and here with us. I'm from Tacoma, and haunted UW and the U district often. It's surreal to think being struck by lightening is a possibility in the thick of Seattle. I only really consider(ed) lightening as a threat during those warm summer rains on a hike in the Cascades or Olympics. This will change how I consider the sky from now on. Be well my friend. Thank you for all that you do.
I never worried about lighting in the least.... i would chase it and seek it out for photography...since we get so little. But go figure....sitting on my deck in Ballard, is where i got nailed lol
Really inspired by your story brother... I pray that nothing tragic will happen to you again. You are a real survivor, a source of motivation to live on 💪🏼🔥👌🏻 Hoorah 💪🏼
thank you for sharing your story. I know you have talked about the lighting strike before, in bits and pieces. The health care system failed you at the beginning, the EMT's should have taken you in. I know a couple who were struck by lighting in a big rig, it fried the electrical in the truck and left them changed forever. Lighting either kills or maims and most people do not understand just how it maims a person for life. Thank you also for your fish keeping passion and dedication to researching and passing along the information you gather.
Your heart is in the right place. The way you talk, I feel your pain, but you are a good person, and unfortunately the worst things happen to good people. You are also a strong person who survived this! You are such an honest person and a sensitive person with a good heart, your story brought a tear to my eye.
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I suffered a much more minor brain injury in 2019 and it mixed my whole life up. I feel like our academic interests are right in line and I love every video you put out. It’s inspiring to see you talk about this side of your journey.
Thank you very kindly. Cheers, keep in touch and keep your head up. There is beauty all around us, my friend. It can be hard some days though that is for sure
4:25 I had that exact same feeling preceeding an oncoming storm. All my hair stood on end and I heard a crackling sound. I stood up and RAN LIKE HELL into the house! I'm convinced I was about to be hit!
Probably. I've had that experience, too. In the south. More than once. My husband & I, on a walk in Georgia, had a huge bolt strike about 10 feet in front of us. It hit a tree, cracking the trunk in two, & the sidewalk cracked. It wasn't even raining or thundering at the time. DH & I both stopped in our tracks, looked at each other & turned around without saying a word. Got home as quickly as possible, but there was no more lightening or storming of any kind the rest of the day. We laugh now, but lightening is unpredictable & as Alex's experience shows, has devastating effects. I'm not afraid of lightening, but I do respect its power.
You are a miracle. A miracle from God. An example to follow. keep going on. Never give up. After this testimony, I started to admire and respect you even more. God bless you always.🙏
Thank you for sharing your story, it is hard to come out and share and have your experiences downplayed by media. I remember watching your channel early on in your recovery, you had an infection in your face at the time. I also remember the naysayers that tried to discredit your story. I'm glad you turned to RUclips and fish keeping as what you have shared has expanded my own fish keeping joy. Recently I discovered CPD fry behind my matten filter what a delightful find. Something I'm not sure would have happened without your shared knowledge. Thank you Alex!
Prayers for you. God has a plan for you. We go through things so that we can encourage others. Thank you for sharing this, and congratulations on thriving after what you have been through.
Oh wow! I was a FF/EMT for 10 + years. Only ran 3 lighting strike calls during that time. But OMGs, There was no rhyme or reason to it's path past the point of impact. Cheers to your ongoing recovery!
I should have clarified! Of the 3, only 1 involved a patient. 3 victims would have been Florida level lightning strikes. Haha. He spent a week in the hospital getting his bp under control. I've known the family for a long time. He passed 25 years later at 87.
This is a great video for those who are facing and in the middle of long-term recovery. Doctors can't really tell you what it looks like. They map out recovery plans and assure you, follow the steps, you'll be ok What they can't tell you is, if thats really true in _your individual_ case. What if you go to a rehab program and have an undiagnosed heart problem crop up, preventing you from continuing? I cannot tell you when exactly I started following but I know for certain, it was when you were just exploring your recovery. The changes in you are evident, over time. It is a very good thing to see. Thank you for taking us along for the whole @Fishstory 👍
OMG!! What a story! The list of things you have lived through and Are now coming out the other side! I wept!! Not because I feel Sorrowful but because I rejoice in The hope and gratefulness you Have inspired others that are on The edge of giving up!! Thank you For your honesty!! We all take for Granted our lives but I’m sure your dear wife would much rather See your crooked smile than a Perfect set of teeth laying in a Coffin! God Bless you and your Family!! Thanks again!!!
Thank you. You are so right. Every moment is a miracle to me. I will never take the beauty of this world, or complexity and poetry in the natural world for granted. Hugs. Have a great week
I greatly appreciate you sharing this with us. As unfortunate as it is, without the experiences we have along our path, we can not become our best self. We definitely have yet to see all of the trials and rewards along our journey. I dislike many things in things in this world. All are human related, and judgemental elitists are definitely at the top of my list of dislikes. It is definitely hard to be the better person at times. I also struggle with words frequently, so I do hope this comes off with the respect for you that is intended. ❤😊
You’re still an artist Your canvas just changed from an actual canvas to aquariums I’m not real new to your channel but I’m pretty new and I didn’t know very much about you at all I’m glad you feel comfortable enough to talk about it We actually have a hell of a lot in common Too bad I’m all the way in Indiana You seem like you’d be a cool guy to hang out with
Thank you for sharing! I really appreciate your honesty.😃🦐🐠 You've helped me SO MANY times with my aquariums! I understand that we all have a different path to follow, and I feel very fortunate that my path has crossed yours. 🥰
Hi. Wow.... I know this was filmed last year but I just watched it. First off..... it's amazing (and thankfully) you're not dead. 2nd, what insurance company thinks that having teeth is cosmetic??? Can insurance companies be sued or are lawyers too scared to go after them? And yes, the whole insurance/medical relationship is really ALREADY out of hand with no one to stop it. Obviously. 3rd... that article reads as though it was someone's first day on the job. Absolutely dreadful. I am sorry the pain, damage and trauma of being struck by lightning was handled with (what sounds to me like) such nonchalant care. You are a Pheonix. Literally. Thank you for sharing your story and being real.
Our lives are about 97.5% the same, but my tbi was from being beaten and other bad bad stuff. I am also hoping for a single tooth. My gosh we are so similar.
I remember Nealy getting hit by lightning it scared me. I remember the complete white couldn't see a thing had to try scramble back in the house it must of only lasted a few seconds but to me it felt like minutes. Wife makes fun of me for being scared in lightning storms now. Thank you for your videos.
Oh man this was an emotional ride. Hearing you describe what you saw, felt and experienced is heartbreaking, yet incredible. It's an experience few will have to this degree. The fact that that lightning had all those things to pass through and like the hand of God, it reached down 8 miles, and you're still here. Over miles, it was you. I cant believe we came so close to not being able to watch your content. It's such a gift to be able to learn from and along side you in this hobby, which is perfect for me because aspects of what we do in this hobby can be applied, expanded upon and used for other things as well. You're such a good resource for people. You're kind, you're geniune, and we're better off in the community just by you being there and being yourself. We often don't know where our story leads, so what we do before the end is where all the magic happens.
Whoa. Im speechless. Thank you. You are far too kind, and i am humbled by your compassion and understanding. Thank you for being a part of this community
Dude thats wild, im glad you made it through that terrifying and unbelievable ordeal . I know its cliche but as they say "what doesnt kill you makes you stronger", whether you think it or not, inside you you must have a lot of resolve. Love your channel brother, youve taught me alot about the nature of our hobby and now even about your own nature of perseverance. We all care about you, and are blessed to still have you here educating us and sharing such intimate and life changing stories
Brother OmG you’re really a inspiration and I can relate with you so much it’s unbelievable. Thank you so much for sharing your experience. They say everything happens for a reason. But living through such drastic circumstances hard enough to fathom let alone living it . I’m so grateful to have lived in NewZealand with free healthcare mostly. So much of your cool rants go over my head but I keep watching and learning from you. Thank you so much. Your a inspiration. Fishing diving surfing kitesurfing etc etc have been my life .1 year ago I started out with gold fish now I have multiple tanks. Due to a grade 4 lymphoma I have fish keeping as my primary hobby focus. So thanks again keep up the amazing work .
I am blown away that happened to you.its terrible! Congratulations for your subrity! Its great! I am glad you are still alive. You are remarkable. Thank you passing on your knowledge.
My brother you are truly blessed! I can only tell you there aren't any mistakes in the universe and it has given you a gift. Don't let the perceived outside world confuse you as to the strike. You are perfect and your wife is a blessing as well. I appreciate all that I am experiencing and you are whole now! I will do my best to help you as much as possible. You are strong and awesome I will see you as you are, great! Keep spreading your light and my family loves you for who you are, blessings. Regards Clark Abbott and Family
Whoa. Thank you so much. This fills my heart with gratitude. Thank you for being a part of the community here. Send my best to your family. Hugs and have a wondeful week!
Recently found myself in the fish keeping hobby bc a former friend’s partner had a betta fish he was neglecting. Everything felt kismet and i knew that was my fish immediately. Thankfully he surrendered it to me. I’m an addict and this hobby has been a help to me in ways probably only other addicts can understand. I found your channel recently and you have been such a blessing in my life as well as a wealth of knowledge and wisdom. I appreciate you a lot and your sharing your humanity with us. Needed to send you some love. Thank you ❤️ and looking forward to what is to come!
Well thank you so much! I appreciate your compassion emensly. This is a great community and i hope we can always lean on one another...fish stuff or not. I agree, only addicts understand a certain level of trauma and life, once they survive a period out of it...unlike any one else. I may make another video about my decade of oxy, booze, h, xanax and everything else sprinkled in, but theres a live stream of two...old ones that i discuss why the hobby literally saved my life. Withdrawals are eased by nothing but more drugs and the beauty and power of nature in my experience. May our days be filled with joy and your life be full of treasured memories from here out.
I'm glad things are up the upside my brother. Your Strength of character shines brightly. Just remember life is balance, Your peeks of joy can only be as tall as your valleys of sorrow are deep... the sun rises for another experience.
Not to latch on to a smaller detail of this vid, but had no idea you were into weather! I have a semi-secret, intense obsession with tornados😅 (i have a fantasy that ill someday try storm chasing whenever i have someone to watch all my critters). I get lost for hours watching footage from the likes of pecos hank. Weather is so breathtaking, immense, intense, beautiful and horrible all at once, and its one of those things that we're completely at the mercy of- nothing we can really do about it. Im so thankful and grateful that you're alive. Somehow you've been stronger than the forces of nature. That is rare and wonderful. Im so sorry for the pain and hardships that have come from this event, but am in awe of your strength, man. Im so glad you're a part of this community. I got back into the hobby and took up breeding bc i have autoimmune disorders and some mental health ish that keeps me from having a "normal" job, and i thought that on the days i dont want to get out of bed, its got to be something i really care about that i make my living off of in order to overcome that inability to get up and get going, and keeping my fish alive is a worthy enough cause to override that, so here i am lol. Thank you for sharing your story, sir. So much respect, & We love ya 💕
Sorry to hear you have to deal with autoimmune issues. Its so frustrating. But im glad the hobby is a productive outlet for you and I both. Oh and ps.... doesnt it drive you nuts that the tornadoes in the movie TWISTER are all spinning the wrong direction lol?
Link to the Local News Story Coverage: www.king5.com/article/news/local/seattle/seattle-man-says-he-was-struck-by-lightning/281-571685872
My artwork:
Www.instagram.com/alexanderjwilliamson/
And www.somainkdesigns.com
Alix you cool like Still & you look well this Saturday
Your artwork, Alexander, is phenomenal! 😁😁
Thank you for sharing❤ I started with Father Fish this year and through my You tube watching I came across your channel. I've been blown away by your in depth scientific knowledge of fish keeping. I just saw your Nov. 17th video where you are ready to move into a new chapter, recognizing that your hobby has gotten stagnant. Listening to this video Im thinking maybe your creativity is getting stoked up again as you are healing from this trauma in your body and soul. All the best, I look forward to following where your fish keeping leads to next❤
I'm 6 months sober from prescription abuse while also needing pain relief and honestly aquariums are one of my main coping mechanisms whenever I really get the urge I mess with my tank. It's almost like meditation and eventually the urge goes away and I'm still on pain medication but I don't abuse them at all. I really relate to you on that level brother.
Good for you my friend! It's so incredibly hard. The aquariums will give you purpose and goals for short and long term... and just sooth you and reduce blood pressure and pain... (they don't know why still.) But thanks for sharing. Stay strong 💪 you got this bro!
@@Fishtory thanks brother
This is the first time I've heard your story. To God be the glory, you are alive. He has a great plan for you.
Yes! Thank you!
When you come to FL you need to be very careful! It can lightning out of nowhere, even in blue skies. Tampa is another word for lightning! A person who has lived through a lightning strike has a higher chance of getting hit again. You've been charged! You are indeed a very lucky person! So glad you are still here!
Thank you. And yes, im in Tampa for aquarium related reasons a few times a year...and i love that i can see the lightning but still remain inside down there. In Seattle it just appears and due to the houses, trees and hills you see a few flashes, but then its overhead suddenly
The secret history living inside Alex. What a touching story I’m glad you are all right and getting even better after enduring so much. you are really strong keeping up your life after this “rebirth”. ❤❤
Thank you very kindly
A hard card you were dealt. Of course the US Health System compounds the stress. Understatement!!
I lived in the states for 5 and a half years (in San Francisco). But I was relatively young then and got by with free clinics and the wonderful public SF General Hospital. I did have insurance through work for my last year. It was so refreshing to able to see a Doctor... The same Doctor. And by appointment.
But I'm now in middle age and back in Ireland. So re the states it's now a case of no country for old men!
Anyway keep on rockin young Dude. 😊
Lol you got that right
This gives such an extensive picture of your situation and explains some things that you otherwise wouldn't understand. Thank you so much for sharing!
You're very welcome. Have a wondeful week!
Thank you, Alexander, for sharing your story with us. Gosh! What a way to get perspective, yes? Please continue to give us your insights from this experience. As you grow deeper in the appreciation for life, please, tell us about it; we all benefit. Your life motivates me to live a better life myself. Thanks for that.
Thank you! Will do!
I don't normally comment, but I watch a lot of your videos.
Such a touching story. 😢
I'm so sorry you had to go through this. Strongly I feel that everything you have sacrificed will one day be given back tenfold.
Bought a tear to my eye. Hang in there my friend
Thank you so much. I already feel grateful for what i get back every day from this community. Hopefully we keep building from here. Have a great weekend!
MY DUDE! ALEXANDER! LIKE WTF!!! 😮😮😮
SOME STORY!!! 😵
Can see the pain in your eyes! 😢
Thanks for sharing! 🙏👍🏻
I am a 36 year old Paraplegic from flipping into a bunch of trees Feb. 15th, 2011, and I understand and emphasize with your pain. I'm sorry buddy. Thank you for telling your story...I know that gets old quick lol. Mary Jane is the only thing I got to ease my pain, and stop muscle spasms...but I have a feeling you know it helps a little 😉
Whatever gets you through the night my man! I cant even imagine losing my legs...thank god for this hobby.
@@Fishtory You get some good parking out of it, and can skip the lines at Busch Gardens. Ain't all bad, still 10/10 don't recommend it 😆
I’m so glad you’re still here with us 😊!
@fishtory ❤ you know I’ve been in the aquarium hobby for all of about three months, and I am so grateful to have it in my life to it. It does, in fact, address a lot of my own physical limitations, and how I express my creativity and my love for animals.
I have multiple sclerosis I am 53 years old and I was diagnosed in 2009. No thanks to a really bad neurologist to when I was 26 years old said I was more likely crazy and unstable. Adding that he thought that I needed a psychologist and not a neurologist.
Putting that all in perspective, I then took a few years off like nine until I knew my next MRI would show every single lesion that they could not turn me down, and that they would finally diagnosed me with multiple sclerosis even though I knew I had it since I was very young in my 20s.
The aquarium hobby has helped me, Xpress, my own, artistic and creative abilities. He’ll be at limited, however, I am still a painter, and I have really been getting into WatercolorPainting, and have even started to paint every single day, and I found it to be completely soothing and peaceful. But still that didn’t factor in my love for animals and might need to care for them so we need to bring I guess more animals inside for me to love.
This is too long I’m sure, but I just want to give some updates on my channel. You’ll see all the animals I have now I have not gotten rid of any of them. Just getting a little bit more taxing in a little bit more difficult for me to take care of them, so I probably will not get more horses or another donkey, although maybe still another donkey. Because I love them and they’re so special.
The first time I came to your channel during a live stream one of your members gave me a membership as a gift and I thought that was absolutely wonderful of that person, but what I didn’t realize is that the gift was it was a gateway for me it was it was a channel for my need to encourage and love other people because that’s my gift from God is I am an encourager and I am faithful so when I wear his watch today’s video I thought ha ha there it is!
You are now a member of my family and I am a member of your family to and I’m grateful to know you and meet you. My husband also has to take a biologic. He has a terrible time with his skin. I suspect it’s multiple sclerosis, but the doctor, although they did see six lesions on his brain when he had a stroke last year in July around this time, they would not diagnosed him because he’s 62 and those lesions appear to be probable at that age. Thankfully the biologic Demelza pad, New Mexico bad I don’t know what it’s called but thankfully he did get a free year of them and hopefully our income level because we’re retired and I’m disabled he’ll be able to continue the the injections to biologic and it seems to be helping so far not quite quick enough for the summer but next summer we’re really looking good I appreciate you. I love you and I pray for you.
And lastly, I admire you, because it takes a lot to come back from having your entire life, or raced to finding a new way to live. I applaud you. ❤
I also use cännábîś medicinally for an autoimmune disorder that causes severe inflammation and pain. It has legitimately been a life saver. I can still live a productive life using low dose edibles. I resisted trying it for a long time because of the stigma and years of propaganda about it. It is however, legitimate medicine and I thank my physician for finally getting through to me so I’d try it.
GOD touched you Alexander ! And HE decided you should live to tell of the experience !
being struck by lightning is extremely rare and living through it is even rarer.
there is something special about you , you have something you are to do in this life , something important !
you will know what that thing is when the moment arrives.
sometimes you may feel cursed, but in fact you are blessed !
I love you Alexander, Brother, you have greatness in. you !
Son - - - you are a fantastic teacher! Been watching you for over a year and I’ve often thought you are so gifted in that area. I’ve learned the most from you about fish. And lightening. And you are interesting to listen to. Not everybody has that gift. Use it.
I just found your channel this past week when i made this walstad bowl.Thanks for sharing you are an artist and a wealth of knowledge.
Awesome! And Thank you!
Your sharing this with us is such a privilege. I seriously ache for you, and hope life continues, if slowly, for you and your wife. Aggressive chemo and then a massive stroke, has changed my life, so i identify with your feelings of loss of self. Every day is a conscious battle to put one foot in front of the other, but I have put up 1 little 10 gal. tank, with a few nano fish. It’s a blessing after loosing so much of my life. Bless all who suffer any sort of affliction. ❤️
Im sorry you have had to travel those rough waters. But only after the storm does the beauty of the waters feel as soothing. Have a wonderful week.
I told you, you indeed are an extraordinary man.
It’s like the earth reached through your body and mind to touch the sky and got tangled up with who you are in the process. It does not surprise me that you now feel a connection that was not there before.
I came to find your page looking for advice about fish after being gifted one of my friends tanks after he passed from cancer; not wanting to f#ck up his work and honor his love for aquariums.
That was a truly amazing and deep story. I was not expecting to be moved. Thank you for telling it.
I live in QLD Australia where lightning is prolific. I was in a car as a child driving through shallow flood waters and it had struck either right beside us or maybe the car but had found a path around the rubber tyres idk, but that feeling you described of the air changing and hair standing up I have felt. I get your love for lightning, I love it too. Hope it all goes well with your teeth.
Thanks mate. Safe travels and happy fish keeping. When in doubt, just let nature work it out... some people toss in too many chemicals
@Fishtory no no - shall not! You might guess that the appeal of your vlog to me is that you don't take the sales approach so many do! Not that I begrudge anyone making a living, but i don't want to go down the high-priced commercialized aquarium shop route to enjoy my little nature fix. That and I'm a gardener at heart.
DUDE. WOW. I’ve watched lots of your videos, and found this one while searching your channel for something else. I too am drawn to storms/lightning, and have always joked thats how I’d choose to die. Hearing your survival story blew my mind, just know that my heart goes out to you and your family, and I wish I could give you a big hug. Thank you for what you do, and for letting us get to know you a little better. All the hugs!
Thank you kindly my friend. Hugs
You are amazing Alex. I have learned so much from you. Keep the positive attitude and thanks for sharing. Glad you keep trucking along. Really appreciate what you do on RUclips and keep it up as long as you can. You are a inspiration and I will add you to my prayers.
That is far too kind of you to say. But i thank you very much. Have a great week
We, who have survived experiences, recognize the spirits of like souls. There are mottos I carry from my journey which seems to cover you,and your incredibme journey, shared here. Thank you.
Mottos:
Life, is a journey.
Be flexible.
Stay vigilant.
Bend, don't break.
Bloom where you are planted.
Love, and be loved.
You, be HaPpY, too.
✌🏼🙏🏼🖖🏼💕 So HaPpY you and yours have one another to rally through. May needed answers continue to arrive to you folks. 💞🎶🧜🏻♀️🐠🐾
What an incredible share. Thank you. 🥰
I love it. Thank you for sharing!
My God, Alex, that was hard to hear, I can't imagine how you feel talking about it, let alone living throutgh it. Love you, man, so sorry it happened. Thank you for sharing
Thank you. It felt good. Sometimes im up for night after night in pain...and i get in my own head... this time i figured id just explain who i am a little more. Thank you for listening. For being an empathetic human and fish lover. Have a wondeful week
Wow, thank you Alex.
Even if parts of the fish hobby you make videos of don't apply to me, I still enjoy listening in to what you say. Your videos have been my usual for long car rides and am happy you put out discussions that are worth watching.
My heart goes out to you. My life changing event..bacterial meningitis…occurred when I was 50. I had struggled from childhood with neurological and autoimmune disorders and constant pain but that illness ended my life as I knew it and who I thought was…so much of how we define ourselves is physical. I’ve had multiple close calls with death and I don’t think people who have been fortunate enough not to have those experiences can understand the impact. The whole doctor thing is traumatic in and of itself, both financially and how painful it can be both physically and emotionally. I have a pretty good idea what it takes to survive something like this. I can’t express how much I admire your courage and strength.
Thank you for sharing. Im very sorry for your hardships also, but in the end...you are correct that it makes us who we are at the end of the day. And probably for the better, when you learn to not stress the little things in the ways you once did prior to something like this. Have a great week. Cheers
@@Fishtory it made me much more patient and, I hope, wiser.
Hearing stories like this really puts things into prospective. We work and work and work, just to have a little money for our family and try to do things with them on the weekends. We really should be squeezing the most out of every day we have with our loved ones. Thanks for reminding me to make time for what really matters. 💜 I hope you can continue to do what you love, and make a living out of it.
Thank you. And 100% every day is a gift and every one you know a unique treasure...even if we get tired of the treasures from time to time haha. Have a good week
I remember you talk in2018 ,I can see how this event has changed your life.. all I can say at this point is, you are extraordinary my friend. And thank god you survived.🙏
Thank you. I know you've been around for a very long time on yt too. Thank you for always being so supportive and possitive. Have a wonderful week
Wow…what a journey you have had…I saw this after watching your current situation. You should be proud of yourself for how far you’ve come and we are proud of you.
Thank you. It is just wild the number of odd injuries I seem to aquire lol. This channel chronicles my luck well though. I'm so fortunate in many ways.... but random health events is not one of my strong suits. Thank you for the kind words!
Thank you for sharing si
Awesome storytelling. Such an inspiration. Thank you
I don't have a lot, but I can't imagine how much harder things would be after something like that. You are an inspiration, to say the least. I joined your channel as a member and plan to keep that up for a least a year (but hopefully indefinitely). It's not as much as I wish I could do, but I hope it helps at least a little. Also, thank you for all the excellent content over the years. Stay strong bro
You are a gift to the world bred in the electrons of lighting!
Haha well i sure like the sound of that! Thank you
Thank you for sharing, hearing your experience means more than you could know.
My pleasure. Thanks for listening
You're a brave man! I want to thank you for sharing. I also want to congratulate your wife, she, too, is very brave and a wonderful woman.
Alex, you are my hero, with or without your past!
Whoa. Haha thank you. Just know heros are full of flaws...and need to lose 25 lbs haha. But thanks thats very kind
@Fishtory It does not matter! I was going to email you because I wanted to share with you my experiences at the microscope looking at aquarium things and fish tissues. I prepare histologic slides of my fish after they die to try to identify the diseases. I am a pathologist for humans, not for animals, and I am learning a lot of things. You inspire me with your curiosity.
It's extraordinary that you are still with us.
It tis lol
You're a good bloke, as well as a fount of knowledge, and so very brave. 🏆
Thank you kindly
I recently started paying the $1.99 a month to support your channel. This is the first and likely to be the only time I've given money to a RUclips channel, but if that's all it takes to make it possible for someone like you to do this then it's money well spent. I've learned so much from this channel - both directly and through all the little research rabbit holes that your videos have sent me down - and it has been a joy to discover that there are content creators who view fish with the same sense of wonder as I do.
The thing I want to specifically compliment you on beyond all of that, however, is your passion for the hobby. Fishkeeping isn't just something I do in my free time - it's everything to me. I've learned so much from just sitting in front of my tanks and observing. I spend my summers out in the creeks nearby to watch the blueheads and all of their little nest cohabitants in spawning colors. I collect random samples of water and see what sort of microfauna I can cultivate. And while I'm doing these things, I'm learning about myself and my place in the universe in addition to the fish. There's always something new to discover and it's easy to see that that's what drives you forward in this.
Anyway, I'm constantly amazed by your knowledge and I'm impressed with how vulnerable you've allowed yourself to be in this space that you've carved out for yourself. Great work, you ought to be extremely proud of what you've created here.
I wanted to say so much more that relates but didn't know how alex. My heart goes out to you my man, not being able to have kids is next level man and i can relate along with the medicines that have their own long term problems but ill leave it at that and just send so much love your way ❤
You are one strong guy. And after the dentistry and bills are paid, you will do so much more! I admire you for understanding all of what you told us, amqzing! Thank you for this video.😊
I hope so haha. 🙏 thank you for the kind words and support. Have a lovely week
You are so brave and strong to tell your story Alex wow good on you such a strong man
Holy crap! It’s a miracle you survived that. I’ve experienced the weird static electricity thing when lightning struck about 50yards from me. After listening to your story somehow my problems seem trivial. I’m definitely inspired by your resilience, and determination. You are an incredible person.
Thank you kindly...i feel the same way. Im blessed, many others have far more troubles. I am eternally grateful for the life i have and the beauty around us.
Alex , I was so moved listening to your story. I can not even begin to imagine the struggle you went through , the fact that it was trivialised is simply awful. I can see your pain in retelling your story and I know you have a longer road ahead of you. But your strength is incredible, with the support of your family you’ll just get stronger and stronger.
I have an even larger amount of awe for the content you put out. I’ve always appreciated the deep dive videos but knowing that pull you feel that draws you in just makes so much sense . It’s important you put your health first. You show your artistry with your tanks and your words still, don’t devalue that. Keep healing buddy .
Thank you for sharing. May GOD bless and heal you 🙏
Thank you kindly. Have an amazing week my friend
@@Fishtory you're welcome 😊
You're an interesting dude with a lifetime of experiences; a great story teller and historian. I'm very happy to have found your channel and I wish you better luck in your future because damn, them has been some shitty cards you've been dealt. Thank you for not giving up because you've been an inspiration to a lot of people....Pete
Thank you very kindly Pete. 🙏
Alexander I never even knew any of this I am just watching your Chanel as I though you just get the eco system so well and literally I’m learning from it . I’m so sad as I had a thought or two of your looks and I feel a heart ache now how I judged . I wish all working out for you bit by bit as I feel you’re coping to the best of abilities , keep positive Alexander as that can literally save you . A big big hug to you , keep sharing your wonderful understanding about fish keeping
No worries. Your human:) we all are. Thanks for coming to the channel and a big welcome to you. Have a wonderful week!
I am so glad you survived man, I am so sorry for all you have been through. I hope your health stays well, sending you love!
God bless you man. You’ve been through so much and still remain so humble. You’re an inspiration to us all and you deserve only the best. Even if we were to tally up all the people you’ve helped and brought joy to up until this point, it would be endless. But you’ve got your whole lifetime left to keep pursuing what brings you fulfillment. Fate has brought everyone to where they are today and every stage of our lives, good or bad at the time, is just a stepping stone to the next one on the path. Enjoy the one you’re on and appreciate all the ones you’ve pushed through but never stop looking forward. I pray that your journey only gets better from here. Thank you for all you do, from the bottom of my heart.
Aww I'm just living in awe of nature and the universe, trying not to be a jerk lol. But thank you
Thanks for sharing brother
Thank you for sharing. Much love to you. 💕
You are so welcome
God Bless you. Thank you for sharing where you come from. Your an inspiration ❤
Just recently became a kinder- gardener well more line a preschooler in the Fisk keeping hobby. I came across your channel and found so much help, insight and joy in your videos. This video was very brave! Thank you for sharing. A lot of us are in uncomfortable possibly shameful situations and would never think to share these experiences. That being said, I’ve heard psychedelics have worked WONDERS for a lot of afflictions. I’ve watched testimonial videos from our veterans that have used Ibogaine and 5 MEO DMT for PTSD, depression, anxiety, and it helped. I wonder if you would be a candidate for those kinds of medicine. I’m not sure how ot would impact other medical conditions you have mentioned but maybe it’s worth a look. Hope the best for you and sending well wishes, GODSPEED. 🙏🏼
Thank you kindly. Ill keep it a bit vague, but yes i have used psilocybin to impressive effect, and hope to try ketamine and or a few other psychoactives. But thank you for mentioning this! 5 meo dmt/dpt is something i tried 15 years ago actually, but for different reasons hehe.
Thank you for your story! Hang in there
Thank you, I will
Sending Love from UK Brother
I do remember when this happened to you. Just happened to pop in and found this review vid. So very sorry that you've endured such hardships in the meantime.😢
I left fishy youtube podcasts for a while during covid madness and my indirect resulting retirement. My life is slightly restructured but I I still have two 50gal tanks. Decided to tear one down for a painting project in the house. Your overstock vid was helpful as all fish are now in one tank!
I'm glad to see that you are persevering in your upbeat optimistic way. Im sure it's difficult. But true wisdom is rarely gained in easy ways. You and Laura are such a cute couple and you are lucky to have each other!❤❤ Wishing you both the very best.
I'm glad you will still have a couple tanks. And thank you for your support and concern.
In any case, I am so glad you're alive and here with us.
I'm from Tacoma, and haunted UW and the U district often. It's surreal to think being struck by lightening is a possibility in the thick of Seattle. I only really consider(ed) lightening as a threat during those warm summer rains on a hike in the Cascades or Olympics. This will change how I consider the sky from now on.
Be well my friend. Thank you for all that you do.
I never worried about lighting in the least.... i would chase it and seek it out for photography...since we get so little. But go figure....sitting on my deck in Ballard, is where i got nailed lol
Really inspired by your story brother... I pray that nothing tragic will happen to you again. You are a real survivor, a source of motivation to live on 💪🏼🔥👌🏻
Hoorah 💪🏼
Thank you kindly my friend 🙏
thank you for sharing your story. I know you have talked about the lighting strike before, in bits and pieces. The health care system failed you at the beginning, the EMT's should have taken you in.
I know a couple who were struck by lighting in a big rig, it fried the electrical in the truck and left them changed forever. Lighting either kills or maims and most people do not understand just how it maims a person for life.
Thank you also for your fish keeping passion and dedication to researching and passing along the information you gather.
Thank you for sharing your story. Blessings 🌸
Same to you!
Your heart is in the right place. The way you talk, I feel your pain, but you are a good person, and unfortunately the worst things happen to good people.
You are also a strong person who survived this!
You are such an honest person and a sensitive person with a good heart, your story brought a tear to my eye.
Thank you for your support. I'm humbled and grateful 🙏
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I suffered a much more minor brain injury in 2019 and it mixed my whole life up. I feel like our academic interests are right in line and I love every video you put out. It’s inspiring to see you talk about this side of your journey.
Thank you very kindly. Cheers, keep in touch and keep your head up. There is beauty all around us, my friend. It can be hard some days though that is for sure
Thanks for sharing. Best wishes.
Thank you too
4:25
I had that exact same feeling preceeding an oncoming storm. All my hair stood on end and I heard a crackling sound.
I stood up and RAN LIKE HELL into the house!
I'm convinced I was about to be hit!
Probably. I've had that experience, too. In the south. More than once. My husband & I, on a walk in Georgia, had a huge bolt strike about 10 feet in front of us. It hit a tree, cracking the trunk in two, & the sidewalk cracked. It wasn't even raining or thundering at the time. DH & I both stopped in our tracks, looked at each other & turned around without saying a word. Got home as quickly as possible, but there was no more lightening or storming of any kind the rest of the day. We laugh now, but lightening is unpredictable & as Alex's experience shows, has devastating effects. I'm not afraid of lightening, but I do respect its power.
Thanks for the Luke Perry reference! I’m going to have to go watch that movie again.
Thank you for sharing. Glad you are ok. I always enjoy your videos.
Thank you for listening. Sometimes its 3am and thoughts just come spilling out. I figured id tell the folks i relate to the most...my fish people haha
You are a miracle. A miracle from God. An example to follow. keep going on. Never give up. After this testimony, I started to admire and respect you even more. God bless you always.🙏
Thank you, I will. And thank you for listening to my motivations and context for keeping aquariums and what they mean to me. Have a great week
Thank you for sharing your story, it is hard to come out and share and have your experiences downplayed by media. I remember watching your channel early on in your recovery, you had an infection in your face at the time. I also remember the naysayers that tried to discredit your story. I'm glad you turned to RUclips and fish keeping as what you have shared has expanded my own fish keeping joy. Recently I discovered CPD fry behind my matten filter what a delightful find. Something I'm not sure would have happened without your shared knowledge. Thank you Alex!
Aww thank you so very kindly ☺️
Thank you for telling your story. Inspirational.
❤
Thanks for watching!
Prayers for you. God has a plan for you. We go through things so that we can encourage others. Thank you for sharing this, and congratulations on thriving after what you have been through.
You are so welcome and I agree that it makes my life more worth living, having gone through this
Oh wow! I was a FF/EMT for 10 + years. Only ran 3 lighting strike calls during that time. But OMGs, There was no rhyme or reason to it's path past the point of impact. Cheers to your ongoing recovery!
Thank you. Thats pretty wild that youve seen 3 though! Did they all survive?
I should have clarified! Of the 3, only 1 involved a patient. 3 victims would have been Florida level lightning strikes. Haha. He spent a week in the hospital getting his bp under control. I've known the family for a long time. He passed 25 years later at 87.
This is a great video for those who are facing and in the middle of long-term recovery. Doctors can't really tell you what it looks like. They map out recovery plans and assure you, follow the steps, you'll be ok
What they can't tell you is, if thats really true in _your individual_ case. What if you go to a rehab program and have an undiagnosed heart problem crop up, preventing you from continuing?
I cannot tell you when exactly I started following but I know for certain, it was when you were just exploring your recovery. The changes in you are evident, over time. It is a very good thing to see. Thank you for taking us along for the whole @Fishstory 👍
OMG!! What a story! The list of things you have lived through and
Are now coming out the other side! I wept!! Not because I feel
Sorrowful but because I rejoice in
The hope and gratefulness you
Have inspired others that are on
The edge of giving up!! Thank you
For your honesty!! We all take for
Granted our lives but I’m sure your dear wife would much rather
See your crooked smile than a
Perfect set of teeth laying in a
Coffin! God Bless you and your
Family!! Thanks again!!!
Thank you. You are so right. Every moment is a miracle to me. I will never take the beauty of this world, or complexity and poetry in the natural world for granted. Hugs. Have a great week
Thank you for sharing your incredible story. Steel sharpens steel, hard times make the strong stronger!!! God bless 🙏
I greatly appreciate you sharing this with us. As unfortunate as it is, without the experiences we have along our path, we can not become our best self. We definitely have yet to see all of the trials and rewards along our journey. I dislike many things in things in this world. All are human related, and judgemental elitists are definitely at the top of my list of dislikes. It is definitely hard to be the better person at times. I also struggle with words frequently, so I do hope this comes off with the respect for you that is intended. ❤😊
Thank you so much Jeff. Your words and support of this community are so invaluable. Thank you my friend. Have a killer week my friend
You’re still an artist Your canvas just changed from an actual canvas to aquariums I’m not real new to your channel but I’m pretty new and I didn’t know very much about you at all I’m glad you feel comfortable enough to talk about it We actually have a hell of a lot in common Too bad I’m all the way in Indiana You seem like you’d be a cool guy to hang out with
Thank you for sharing this on going difficultly with us. You are a very strong person.
You are so welcome...but THANK YOU for supporting me and the channel!
Thank you for sharing! I really appreciate your honesty.😃🦐🐠 You've helped me SO MANY times with my aquariums! I understand that we all have a different path to follow, and I feel very fortunate that my path has crossed yours. 🥰
Hi. Wow.... I know this was filmed last year but I just watched it. First off..... it's amazing (and thankfully) you're not dead. 2nd, what insurance company thinks that having teeth is cosmetic??? Can insurance companies be sued or are lawyers too scared to go after them? And yes, the whole insurance/medical relationship is really ALREADY out of hand with no one to stop it. Obviously. 3rd... that article reads as though it was someone's first day on the job. Absolutely dreadful. I am sorry the pain, damage and trauma of being struck by lightning was handled with (what sounds to me like) such nonchalant care. You are a Pheonix. Literally. Thank you for sharing your story and being real.
Our lives are about 97.5% the same, but my tbi was from being beaten and other bad bad stuff. I am also hoping for a single tooth. My gosh we are so similar.
I remember Nealy getting hit by lightning it scared me. I remember the complete white couldn't see a thing had to try scramble back in the house it must of only lasted a few seconds but to me it felt like minutes. Wife makes fun of me for being scared in lightning storms now. Thank you for your videos.
Oh man this was an emotional ride. Hearing you describe what you saw, felt and experienced is heartbreaking, yet incredible. It's an experience few will have to this degree. The fact that that lightning had all those things to pass through and like the hand of God, it reached down 8 miles, and you're still here. Over miles, it was you. I cant believe we came so close to not being able to watch your content. It's such a gift to be able to learn from and along side you in this hobby, which is perfect for me because aspects of what we do in this hobby can be applied, expanded upon and used for other things as well. You're such a good resource for people. You're kind, you're geniune, and we're better off in the community just by you being there and being yourself. We often don't know where our story leads, so what we do before the end is where all the magic happens.
Whoa. Im speechless. Thank you. You are far too kind, and i am humbled by your compassion and understanding. Thank you for being a part of this community
Thank you for sharing, and thank you for all of your knowledgeable content. I wish you the very best!!!
You are so welcome! Thank you for tuning
I appreciate you sharing Alex..👍🙏 mother nature is very powerful...
What an amazing story! Thank you for sharing. Your survival and adaptation inspires me to push forward.
Thank you for being you. You are kind and helpful and have saved my fish many times. Hopefully, we've helped you too. Big hug
Dude thats wild, im glad you made it through that terrifying and unbelievable ordeal . I know its cliche but as they say "what doesnt kill you makes you stronger", whether you think it or not, inside you you must have a lot of resolve. Love your channel brother, youve taught me alot about the nature of our hobby and now even about your own nature of perseverance. We all care about you, and are blessed to still have you here educating us and sharing such intimate and life changing stories
I am new to your channel and watching your videos I just want to thank you for being so raw and honest your stuff is incredible
You are so welcome! And also... WELCOME TO THE CHANNEL! Please dont hesitate to ask any questions you may have as well. Cheers
Brother OmG you’re really a inspiration and I can relate with you so much it’s unbelievable. Thank you so much for sharing your experience. They say everything happens for a reason. But living through such drastic circumstances hard enough to fathom let alone living it . I’m so grateful to have lived in NewZealand with free healthcare mostly. So much of your cool rants go over my head but I keep watching and learning from you. Thank you so much. Your a inspiration. Fishing diving surfing kitesurfing etc etc have been my life .1 year ago I started out with gold fish now I have multiple tanks. Due to a grade 4 lymphoma I have fish keeping as my primary hobby focus. So thanks again keep up the amazing work .
I'm so sorry that you suffered and are suffering still. May G-d heal you completely.
I am blown away that happened to you.its terrible! Congratulations for your subrity! Its great! I am glad you are still alive. You are remarkable. Thank you passing on your knowledge.
More life to you my brother! Sounds like the lightning was sent from God :) Much love and blessings!!
Perhaps. Im definitely grateful for everything and every moment...i want and covet far less ever since. Cheers
Wow thanks for sharing such a vulnerable video. Its easy to be convinced that humans are all powerful, but in the end nature is our master.
💓💓Thank you for talking about this.
My brother you are truly blessed! I can only tell you there aren't any mistakes in the universe and it has given you a gift. Don't let the perceived outside world confuse you as to the strike. You are perfect and your wife is a blessing as well. I appreciate all that I am experiencing and you are whole now! I will do my best to help you as much as possible. You are strong and awesome I will see you as you are, great! Keep spreading your light and my family loves you for who you are, blessings. Regards Clark Abbott and Family
Whoa. Thank you so much. This fills my heart with gratitude. Thank you for being a part of the community here. Send my best to your family. Hugs and have a wondeful week!
Hey Alex thanks for sharing,they say everything happens for a reason, but I’m not always sure about that, you are correct on better healthcare plans
Very true!
Wow bro. All I can say is thank you for sharing. Your channel has helped me with my aquariums and its relaxing to watch as well.
Glad to hear it. Thank for listening and being a positive voice in the community here.
God touched Will.
Recently found myself in the fish keeping hobby bc a former friend’s partner had a betta fish he was neglecting. Everything felt kismet and i knew that was my fish immediately. Thankfully he surrendered it to me. I’m an addict and this hobby has been a help to me in ways probably only other addicts can understand. I found your channel recently and you have been such a blessing in my life as well as a wealth of knowledge and wisdom. I appreciate you a lot and your sharing your humanity with us. Needed to send you some love. Thank you ❤️ and looking forward to what is to come!
Well thank you so much! I appreciate your compassion emensly. This is a great community and i hope we can always lean on one another...fish stuff or not. I agree, only addicts understand a certain level of trauma and life, once they survive a period out of it...unlike any one else. I may make another video about my decade of oxy, booze, h, xanax and everything else sprinkled in, but theres a live stream of two...old ones that i discuss why the hobby literally saved my life. Withdrawals are eased by nothing but more drugs and the beauty and power of nature in my experience. May our days be filled with joy and your life be full of treasured memories from here out.
I feel ya on the addict thing and how much this hobby helps. It's literally been a lifesaver ❤
I'm glad things are up the upside my brother. Your Strength of character shines brightly. Just remember life is balance, Your peeks of joy can only be as tall as your valleys of sorrow are deep... the sun rises for another experience.
Not to latch on to a smaller detail of this vid, but had no idea you were into weather! I have a semi-secret, intense obsession with tornados😅 (i have a fantasy that ill someday try storm chasing whenever i have someone to watch all my critters). I get lost for hours watching footage from the likes of pecos hank. Weather is so breathtaking, immense, intense, beautiful and horrible all at once, and its one of those things that we're completely at the mercy of- nothing we can really do about it. Im so thankful and grateful that you're alive. Somehow you've been stronger than the forces of nature. That is rare and wonderful. Im so sorry for the pain and hardships that have come from this event, but am in awe of your strength, man.
Im so glad you're a part of this community. I got back into the hobby and took up breeding bc i have autoimmune disorders and some mental health ish that keeps me from having a "normal" job, and i thought that on the days i dont want to get out of bed, its got to be something i really care about that i make my living off of in order to overcome that inability to get up and get going, and keeping my fish alive is a worthy enough cause to override that, so here i am lol. Thank you for sharing your story, sir. So much respect, & We love ya 💕
Sorry to hear you have to deal with autoimmune issues. Its so frustrating. But im glad the hobby is a productive outlet for you and I both. Oh and ps.... doesnt it drive you nuts that the tornadoes in the movie TWISTER are all spinning the wrong direction lol?