Monday is the Fourth of July. My favorite holiday. Independence Day.
It also marks the anniversary of my injury. Technically, it’s July 3, but July 4 was the day the stark reality of my injury was made certain.
It’s the day I lost my independence.
That was 7 years ago.
I found myself thinking about this while at the gym today. A lot has changed and a lot has happened over these past 7 years. After all, it does represent nearly 18% of my life.
It’s crazy to think almost 1/5 of my time on this Earth has been spent living with paralysis. Unable to move much. Unable to partake in thousands of things I once enjoyed and thought would last until my time here was done.
That’s why I try not to think about it.
However, I’d be lying if I said I don’t think about it. I challenge anyone not to think about something you lost that changed your life forever.
But I certainly don’t obsess about it.
I’m extremely proud of the way I’ve handled myself these past 7 years. In particular, of the way I’ve grown as a person. I’m proud of the way I’ve learned to accept events that I cannot control nor change, something I struggled with prior to my injury. And I’m proud of the way I’ve learned to enjoy and discover new things. Things I might never had experienced.
Just as my injury has made me weaker in my physical capacities, it has also made me stronger in my spiritual and mental capacities.
And for that I am grateful. For that, I smile on the 3rd of July each year.
However, I would not be where I am were it not for the support of the amazing people I have in my life. Especially my parents and Lindsey, who have had their own challenging journeys these past 7 years. But together, we weathered a lot of storms that we probably didn’t think we could.
They have helped me find a new type of independence.
According to the Bible, 7 is the number of completeness and perfection (both spiritual and physical). It derives most of its meaning from being directly tied to God’s creation of all things. Throughout the Bible, Jesus performed 7 miracles on the Sabbath. The 6th miracle was when he cured a paralyzed man (John 5: 8-9).
I don’t know what it means to feel complete. I certainly don’t know what it means to be perfect (although at times I might act like I do). But I do know what it means to feel like I’ve embarked on a journey, especially one I never intended to take. But one I’ve come to embrace.
The number 8 in the Bible represents a new beginning, meaning a new order of creation, man’s true “born again” event when he is resurrected from the dead into eternal life.
For me, another new beginning starts July 4th. And that to me is definitely worth celebrating.
POSTSCRIPT:
As you may recall, The Plain Dealer followed me around for 2 years after my injury, chronicling my journey. Ultimately, a photo journal was published (view that here).
Unfortunately, the article and video that were produced were never published.
I watched the video the other day as a reminder of how far I’ve come these past 7 years. I realized I have never publicly shared it. I figured I would do so.
Warning: it can be an emotional and difficult watch for a variety of reasons, however, it’s also a beautiful and wonderful reminder of how fortunate I really am and how far I’ve really come.
Happy Fourth of July! God bless America and all of you!
Stand Strong!
Scott
Scott. Thank you for sharing your story.
So happy you said “yes”!
Thank you for sharing this with all of us. Truly inspiring… we know its not easy but you are conquering each day with awe inspiring courage and fortitude. Pray God gives you the blessing of your dreams coming true!
Your video touched my heart. Your a man of GOD, and he kept you here to deliver these messages of Hope to all of us, to inspire all of us to Love each other every day
no matter what our lives bring.
May God Watch Over You!
The Rahe’s
I am so proud of you, Scott. Oh the journey you have been on!!
God Bless You for inspiring so many people. You are AMAZING.
God Bless You – Mary
It was difficult and emotional. It also showed your strength and family support that is so important to help you see some light. Scott, I want you to know how important your blogs are to me. Thankyou. God Bless
I forgot to wish you a Happy 4th and may all the next ones to come bring good health and more love to share with your family and friends
You are truly inspiring Scott. I remember the first day I came to BWC and I said hello to you, your dad was with you and I introduced myself, you the most amazing smile and you were engaging and so nice and it really made me feel comfortable, because I definitely was nervous, since it was the first place I was going to after being discharged from the hospital, so it was all new to me and didn’t know what to expect, and you my friend made it my first day, and I remember leaving there thinking if he can have that beautiful attitude so can I. Your attitude is contagious and just know that you help so many of us whether you know it or not. I love you sincerely and hope but the best for you and everyone reading this! Keep on keeping on.
Happy fourth Scott.
Scott,
You are, without a doubt, an amazing person and truly an inspiration to us all.
Thanks for sharing your video.
I hope you have a Happy 4th of July !
Go Tribe !
Scott,
You are truly amazing! You have helped so many of us in ways you will never know. May God continue to bless you and your family.
Scott, I know this time of year holds special significance for you, which for many of us would be difficult to express in words. Yet you manage to do so with such eloquence. The video is a wonderful testament to the power of time, faith, and perseverance. Thank you for sharing it with the rest of us. You have traveled an amazing journey thus far and always as such an inspiration to others. Happy July 4th!
So proud to be related to you & your Dad.
We pass these post on to our friends & they can’t thank
Us enough. I pray for you constantly every day
and your family no words can express how I feel after
Reading these.
Scott to be related to u & your Dad / family makes us so proud,
We try to pass these post out to our friends who can’t thank us enough.
My prayers for u & family are constantly said every day
Anybody would be blessed to have you as as son! The video is still inspiring and I will share it with my family.
Amen. It will get better.
Scott,
I’m with Steve; you are the strongest man I know. I love you, brother. Hugs and love to you and that incredible family of yours. They are angels on earth.
You are amazing, I know you have heard this a million times.
What a rock of inspiration you are.
I’ve said it many times before, because it is true. Scott Fedor is the strongest man I know.
SCOTT: I’M WRITING THIS THRU MY TEARS- YOUR VIDEO IS REMARKABLE. WHY WASN’T IT EVER SHOWN. IT SHOULD BE!!! YOU ARE REMARKABLE AND HAVE COME SUCH A LONG WAY IN THESE LAST 7 YEARS. I AM BLOWN AWAY BY YOUR STRENGTH ,YOUR PERSEVERANCE, YOUR FAITH, YOUR CONCERN FOR OTHERS. WOW!!! I CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOUR HOUSE. MUCH LOVE ALWAYS, AUNT MARILOU
Scott…unbelievable that it has been 7 years. Thoughts and prayers continue to be with you. Hope you enjoy this “Independence Day” Holiday with family and friends…God Bless!