“There will be good days and there will be bad days.”
That maxim is one of the absolute truths I always stress when at a speaking event.
July 3, 2009 was a bad day.
One could make the case that every day since then has been a bad day (because I’m still paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair). The same case could be made that every day since then has been a good day (because I’m still alive).
“It’s all relative.”
That’s another absolute truth I’ve learned.
Perhaps it should be “It’s all relative; maintain the proper perspective.”
When it comes down to it, perspective has a lot to do with why I’m still here. Not perception, but perspective. There is a difference.
It would be very difficult for me to change my perception of the world around me. Unfortunately, I am in a wheelchair and will most likely be for the rest of my life. However, my perspective of how I choose to view that world is a malleable tool that I have worked repeatedly to hone and craft over the past fourteen years.
I choose to focus on the positives the best that I can. I know, I know, you might think that’s a tired cliché. But if it is such an overused stereotype, then why is it so challenging for most people to do?
I think it’s because it takes work and constant reminding to really focus on the positive.
In an ironic way, because I am in a wheelchair, I’m constantly saddled with a negative I cannot change. Because of this, I do my best to always remind myself of the positives I can embrace. And there are quite a lot that I don’t need to look hard to find.
Although today marks the fourteenth year in which I have not been able to scratch an itch, or raise a glass to my lips, it also marks nearly a decade and a half that I have been able to further refine my perspective and use it to appreciate the positives in my life.
Just because July 3 has come to serve as a much more meaningful marker than my birthday, doesn’t mean I still don’t receive presents. The day still brings plenty of gifts with it.
Perspective is one of those gifts.
Of course, another gift and reason I am still here is due to the multitudes of prayers and support I have received. Words will never properly convey how grateful I am, but I will say them anyway. Thank You!
Stand Strong!
Scott
Scott,
You are the man. Thank you for an enjoyable evening —
Ann & Tom
Thanks for your perspective, Scott. It’s a great one, and a grateful one. You know that God has a purpose and meaning for your life. Thanks so much for your reflections that bring hope and positivity, and most of all thanks for standing strong!
Peace brother!
Scott, thank you. Reading your post, as well as all the responses, illustrates to me that you’re a catalyst for many of us. You give us that little push that we all need to focus on what’s important! I hope that by writing back to you, that we give you a little push back, to let you know just how much we appreciate you and what you share with us. God bless you!
Scott – you perspective is amazing and truly inspiring to so many. God bless you my friend.
Scott
I barely know you but you did speak at a Mother’s’ Club event at Walsh Jesuit High School many years ago.
Every time I receive an email with your post I read it out loud to my husband. Every single time I can’t get through the post without crying and my voice gives out. Whoever wrote that God had a special plan for you is correct I only pray if God had that plan for me I could be as strong as you. I know I’m a stranger but my admiration is sincere and when I write that I pray for you I mean it. I’m sure you have no idea how strong you help others stay. One of God’s gift to the world is Scott Fedor. With much love, Lisa Yates’s
Scott
I barely know you but you did speak at a Mother’s’ Club event at Walsh Jesuit High School many years ago.
Every time I receive an email with your post I read it out loud to my husband. Every single time I can’t get through the post without crying and my voice gives out. Whoever wrote that God had a special plan for you is correct I only pray if God had that plan for me I could be as strong as you. I know I’m a stranger but my admiration is sincere and when I write that I pray for you I mean it. I’m sure you have no idea how strong you help others stay. One of God’s gift to the world is Scott Fedor. With much love, Lisa Yates’s
Beautiful!
Scott, I really appreciate your post and your perspective. Life can change in a single breath. If we don’t take that next breath in our life is over. You make us stop and realize the fragility and wonder of our continued existence. Thank you for all the perceptions you write about and share.
Love your post – with its honesty and truth. You continue to be a witness. I recently gave your book to a friend who struggles with a disability. She loved it! God bless you today and all the days to come.
Your Mom’s comment is so kind. I think of you often, especially today. My life changed 11 yrs ago. I’m grateful for what I got back but hard to wrap my head around all the things I lost. Reading your book has helped me…..thanks Scott
Your Mom’s comment is so kind. I think of you often, especially today. My life changed 11 yrs ago. I’m grateful for what I got back but hard to wrap my head around all the things I lost. Reading your book has helped me…..thanks Scott
Your Mom’s comment is so kind. I think of you often, especially today. My life changed 11 yrs ago. I’m grateful for what I got back but hard to wrap my head around all the things I lost. Reading your book has helped me…..thanks Scott
Keep Standing Strong Scott and never lose your perspective,
One might say you were “ reborn” on July 3 and God gave you a mission for your life which has afforded many blessings to the masses who cross your path. We love and respect you.
God’s blessings upon you, Cuz
Linda
The apple does not fall far from the tree. Both of you are heroes!!
Love ya buddy, keeping stand strong !!
Love you, Scottie. Your strength is incredible and admired. You truly are amazing and a positive light to those lucky enough to know you. ❤️
I truly believe God chooses who He needs to help Him accomplish things in this world. He chose wisely when He chose you to help so many of us look for the blessings each day. You continue to touch so many lives.
On a side note, with all this rain, your grass is probably green again.
Thank you for sharing your words of wisdom.
Scott,
You are such an inspiration to those that find themselves in the same state of being confined to a wheel chair. Ryan, too had the same perspective and I believe that is what keeps one going as opposed to just giving up. He is so proud of you, I know and cherised your frienship. His accident was on July 29, 2006. God bless.
God had a plan for you. I still hope modern medicine will find a way for you to move again.
Persons who have had cancer in their history call themselves survivors. I am a twice survivor and you too are a survivor and each day we have received additional days to live are blessings. You are very blessed and have provided others with a wisdom that can only come from a survivor. Thank you, Scott. God bless you in all that you are doing for others. You are a blessing to each of us who follow your posts.
God bless you Scott , and for sharing your perspective. You are admired and thought about by many more than you will probably ever know.
Scott,
I am one of many that are grateful you are alive today. I am not sure if your injury 14 years ago is responsible for it, but today you possess wisdom that is galvanized by real life experience….and it is powerful when you share it.
God bless you, you may never know the impact you have had on this world.
I love you so much and am so very proud of the way you have handled yourself. I know that I am not as strong as you and would not be able to handle this adversity the way you do. You really are my hero.
Mom ❤️