Thursday – 11/15/2012

“I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I intended to be.” – Douglas Adams

The above picture was taken this past Wednesday after I spoke to the 7th & 8th grade students at Incarnate Word Academy. I had a chance to speak to the faculty in August and was invited back to talk to the junior high students this time. I feel very fortunate and privileged anytime I have the opportunity to share my story and lessons learned with young adults. Plus, I am always humbled by their attentiveness and sincere interest, especially since I remember how restless I was as a 13-year-old. My presentation is usually followed up with a short Q & A session. The first two questions that were asked yesterday were very profound and something I had not given much thought to, yet definitely worthy of self reflection. I did my best to answer, but find myself still reflecting on their inquiries a day later. One of the students pictured with me mentioned something to me which I found myself greatly moved by (I will keep it to myself just in case this individual is reading as I do not want to make anyone feel self-conscious). Let me just say that I wish I could have spent the whole day with the kids.

Next scheduled event for me is December 10 at St. Bartholomew’s parish in Middleburg Heights. This will be open to all and I will provide more details in the coming weeks for anyone interested in attending.

Honestly, I didn’t realize it’s been two weeks since my last update. A few things of note have happened since – there was a presidential election; I acquired a fire pit from a wonderful, new friend which I have already put to good use; I have continued to forge a strong bond with Melanie (my monkey companion); made some more positive strides as a result of my physical therapy. Oh, and I might have a small appearance in a future movie scheduled for release in 2013.

All in all, I continue to work towards the constant goal of recovery. While the word “recovery” can at times seem like a moving target, often shrouded in the misconception of tangible results, I have come to define it as a relative term. Not only does it conjure up a different image for all of us, I find that it changes shape and focus for me as well. Each time I think about recovery, a different end result surfaces. Although it may seem like a wishy-washy contradiction, I actually find it to be more of a juxtaposition of sorts, a fluid combination of different goals and aspirations. In my previous life, I might not have condoned the idea of redefining the endgame, but I prefer to view this journey I’m on as a learning experience, teaching me something new with every milestone reached. And this being the case, I am constantly rewarded with new discovery. There is no blueprint for living with paralysis. However, as skewed as it may sound, there is an odd sense of fulfillment that awaits just around every bend, twist and turn.

Thank you for the continued prayers and support! Please keep everyone living with paralysis, however you may define that, in your prayers.

Stand Strong!

Scott