26 Years of Life

I’m grateful to have turned 26 years old Saturday.  My disability has presented some challenges along the way. Shortly after my injury, my parents, doctors and many others weren’t sure how much I would be able to do on my own, but I’ve been blessed with relatively good health. My dad thought I would be skinny and wouldn’t be able to gain weight after my spinal cord injury; however, I’m far from skinny these days. 

I’ve had many hospitalizations as a result of surgeries on my spine, but those procedures were necessary for giving me the quality of life I have now. If I didn’t have the surgeries to straighten my spine, I wouldn’t be able to have the best posture for sitting in my chair, nor will I be able to easily drive my van and perform the other tasks of daily living.

 

Some days are better than others, but every day is a good day! I appreciate all of my family, friends, co-workers and classmates who are always there for me. They encourage and motivate me to succeed and allow me to live my life to the fullest and with a purpose.