Ten years ago, on November 26, 2004, my life was forever changed when I suffered a spinal cord injury while playing on my snowboard out front of my familys cabin in Lake Arrowhead. I broke my 4th, 5th, and 6th cervical vertebrae in my neck and was paralyzed instantly from the neck down leaving me a quadriplegic. I began a new chapter of my life. I got hurt six months after graduating from college. I had landed a great job, I had found the love of my life, Kirsten, and I was on top of the world. I thought I had everything planned out. My injury left me feeling hopeless about the future. I was blessed to have my loved ones stay by my side praying for me, reminding me that God had a plan for me, and helping me be the best me I could possibly be. I was also fortunate that I had people who had gotten injured before me come mentor me and give me hope for life after spinal cord injury. As I look back and reflect on my injury and how far Ive come in the last decade, I realize how much I have to be thankful for. There are things in my life that I wouldnt trade for the world. I have to say that if I could hit rewind and go back to the day I got hurt to prevent my accident, I dont think I would unless I can have all the things that I have now. I have a wonderful marriage and I treasure the bond I have with my wife, Kirsten; I have a beautiful daughter, Betty, that is the joy of my life; I have great relationships with my mom & dad, brother, sister, grandparents, aunts & uncles, cousins, and entire family; and I have the best friends anyone could ever have, many of whom I would have never met if I didnt get hurt. I have been blessed in so many ways; I have had opportunities to do things that I probably would not have had if I didnt have a SCI, and I have made an impact on people that I most likely couldnt if I wasnt a wheelchair user. I feel like this is a gift. God has called me to service, giving me a career helping others that have similar injuries, going through similar challenges, and facing trials in life. I am just a conduit for the Lord. God uses me to assist others, and I give Him all the glory. I never dreamed Triumph Foundation would become such a force in the disabled community. It is so much larger than just myself; there are so many others that have found purpose through our organization, and Im so thankful to everyone who is involved. We transform lives. Most of my anniversaries of being reborn after my spinal cord injury go by without much notice. This year I turned 10 years old, and obviously this one is a significant milestone. I am so grateful for the life that I have, and the relationships I share with others, especially the one I have with my God and creator, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit that dwells in my heart giving me the ability to persevere. Sometimes hardships bring the greatest blessings. Life has purpose. Much love to all my facebook friends. I appreciate all your support. Happy Thanksgiving.
Posted on: Thu, 27 Nov 2014 21:45:28 +0000
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