“The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness and a loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.”
I want to thank Beth Malarkey for sharing the above Elizabeth Kubler-Ross quote with me. Her son, and my friend, Alex, was injured seven years ago on this date. Obviously, I am saddened by the tragedy of the accident Alex had to endure, but extremely grateful of the friendship we have forged as a result. Please say a special prayer for the Malarkey family when you close your eyes tonight.
Surgery has been scheduled for next Tuesday, 11/22, to remove the broken titanium rods from my neck. Tomorrow I have my pre-surgical evaluation at Metro Hospital. I am fighting a UTI right now and on some antibiotics, but that should not affect things. I will be glad when this is behind me and it is my hope that removing the rods will end up working out for the better. I laugh when I think that a few years ago I was always hesitant about the possibility of surgery (since I had never had it). Now, I find myself voluntarily signing up to have my neck and skull sliced open as if it were a routine occurrence. Another reminder of the new “normal” that an SCI brings with it!
I had a great physical therapy session today in which I was able to get on my elbows and knees for some weight-bearing exercises. This was the first time I’ve been in this position and things went well. I am appreciative of the fact that my trainers, Mike and Kyan, are not afraid to try different exercises with me. Fortunately, I was able to work out today since I will be tied up tomorrow at the hospital. I have also rescheduled next week’s Tuesday session for Monday due to surgery. I am hoping that I will be able to resume working out the week following Thanksgiving and I won’t be incapacitated too long as a result of the operation. I’m making good strides with the exercise regimen and don’t want to lose any momentum. Additionally, I’m in the process of trying to set up a few aqua therapy sessions that will allow me to get some supplemental physical therapy in a “reduced gravity” environment. My mother has been helping me investigate some potential leads, so fingers crossed that something might pan out in the near future.
Most of you probably saw the news story a few weeks ago about the nutcase in Zainesville, Ohio who released over 40 exotic animals into the general population. It was a very sad and bizarre day and most of the animals were put down. As a result of this idiot’s actions, new legislative action is being considered regarding individuals owning exotic animals. This is a good thing, as most of these animals don’t belong in a cage in someone’s backyard. However, unfortunately the legislation may also affect exotic service animals, such as helper monkeys. I received word from Helping Hands that things are on hold with my monkey on until further notice. Obviously I am pretty bummed about this as I was looking forward to the help and companionship a little Capuchin buddy would provide. Hopefully the proper laws will be put in place that safeguard against public ownership of exotic animals, while at the same time allowing for service animals to be owned by individuals (who really need them) in a safe and secure way.
If you have not yet done so, please check out the latest update to the “Get Involved” section. LEAP is hosting a 30th anniversary celebration at the end of this month. Tickets are available for purchase to anyone who may be interested in attending. I’m very proud of the work this organization does for individuals living with a disability and honored to serve on the Board of Directors.
Not a tremendous amount of other news to report other than I received notice that the IRS is in the process of considering my application for 501(c)(3) status of the public charity I am working to establish. I am confident that they will agree this is a worthwhile endeavor and come to a favorable conclusion as swiftly as possible, which could be asking for a lot considering how slowly the government tends to move.
Beautiful people don’t just happen, but fortunately all of us have individuals in our lives who fit this bill. Never pass up the opportunity to make sure they know how beautiful you think they truly are!
Stand Strong!
Scott