Monday – 5/12/2014

“Just tell yourself, Duckie, you’re really quite lucky!” – Dr. Seuss

I often tell people how lucky I am to have a strong support network. Living with a spinal cord injury is not easy, and fortunately, having others to rely on for various things is a real blessing. I try to remind myself each and every day of how blessed I am. And this past Mother’s Day was no exception.

On Thursday, I learned that the WOMP gang (Marcus, Marcelo and Wissum) were making plans to hold a benefit car wash to raise money for me. I wasn’t supposed to know about it, but the apartment complex wanted the boys to make sure I was okay with it before they started plastering posters on the mailboxes.

Needless to say, I was extremely touched by the gesture. As I’ve stated on several occasions, the WOMPers are amazing kids who hold a special place in my heart. They are always thinking of ways to help me out – whether performing skits for cash, helping me with household chores, or holding a car wash. There is honestly nothing they wouldn’t do for me if I asked them.

In this particular case, I asked them if we could have the car wash for, Getting Back Up, instead of me. This way they could help others who also need assistance. Of course they were happy to oblige. Later that evening we had a pizza party (I have been promising them for some time) while watching the NFL Draft. They left early so they could finalize details.

The car wash was a huge success and they raised $45 for the foundation! I even had them wash my wheelchair. However, I was very moved when they handed me an air freshener that had a business card with my information as well as Getting Back Up’s stapled to it. They may still be learning multiplication, but they’re already experts in cause marketing!

Thursday was also an exciting day as far as my physical therapy goes. I’ve been spending part of every workout session at Buckeye Wellness Center working on my core balance in hopes of strengthening my abdominal muscles.

Perhaps it was the great weather, but I was really feeling it (no pun intended) and reached a new milestone while working with Shannon. Sitting upright and being able to correct myself is something I once put about as much thought into as blinking my eyes. However, these days it involves more strength and concentration than trying to ride a bucking bull. I’ve been able to build up more endurance and muscle memory with each workout, and look forward to setting a new milestone with my next workout!

Finally, a belated wish of health and happiness for all the mothers out there. I wanted to share a beautiful reflection from a friend who is a member of the Catholic Ministry at Lehigh University. I think his words sum up what we all feel for our moms. I know they do for me:

“Your Mother is always with you. She’s the whisper of the leaves as you walk down the street, she’s the smell of certain foods you remember, flowers you pick, the fragrance of life itself. She’s the cool hand on your brow when you’re not feeling well, she’s your breath in the air on a cold winter’s day. She is the sound of the rain that lulls you to sleep, the colors of a rainbow, she is Christmas morning. Your mother lives inside your laughter. She’s the place you came from, your first home, and she’s the map you follow with every step you take. She’s your first love, your first friend, even your first enemy, but nothing on earth can separate you. Not time, not space…not even death.”

Stand Strong!

Scott