Johhny Convalez was an actor in the 70s whose last movie was called Deer Hunter. He shot that
movie while struggling with cancer that eventually led to his death.
In those final years were a darkness caused by excruciating pain, deteriorating bones and body with
no relief or solution, but there was a beautiful light created by the making of a movie classic and a
great love between Johnny and Meryl Streep.
Meryl Streep lost the love of her life to cancer, but his memories and, most importantly, his statement defined her movie career forever. Johnny said of Meryl Streep many years before she became famous, ‘I have discovered the greatest actress in the world’. And true to his world, Meryl Streep was dubbed the greatest actress of her generation in 2024.
Light and darkness co-exist in this world, creating shadows. The brighter the light, the darker the
shadows. Sometimes the best of times can happen at the same time as the worst season of your
life.
Just like a woman would go through unspeakable labour pains or complications while birthing a
beautiful gift to this world, so also, we often go through hardships, setbacks, failures and difficulties
to build anything lasting and impactful.
It’s the crushing emergence of a butterfly from its pupa that creates its beautiful wings. If the tiny
crack were to be any wider, the butterfly would emerge fat, swollen with wings so tiny it would be
unable to fly.
It is the crushing of grapes that makes great wine, the breaking of eggs that makes a delicious
omelette.
Stew cannot be tasty without being stirred, and there are very few pleasures in this world beyond a
slow-cooked beef, a long sunset with cascading colours and the calming wisdom that comes with age and countless challenges.
Consistency, persistence, resilience, grit and community are necessary is you must survive the valley
of shadows. Look for the light in every darkness, place gratitude, hope and character above all else
and refuse to quit.
