Thursday – 9/19/2013

“Instead of comparing our lot with that of those who are more fortunate than we are, we should compare it with the lot of the great majority of our fellow men. It then appears that we are among the privileged.” – Helen Keller

A point I always try to hit on when speaking to others, whether businesses, churches, schools, is that everything really is relative. You can compare yourself to others, but what is the point you are trying to draw from the comparison? I will admit that I was guilty of always comparing my situation to others before my injury, with the result often being me feeling like I needed to do more, have more, be more to keep up with those I was comparing myself to. I had a great life, yet always felt unfulfilled after making comparisons.

These days, I still find myself drawing comparisons, however, always reach a much different conclusion. I feel fortunate to be alive and as healthy as I am, all things considered. I don’t need a machine to help me breathe, I don’t need to see a doctor on a regular basis, I don’t need a nurse to venture away from home, I don’t need to turn down social invites from my friends to do things, I don’t need to suffer with terrible seating at a concert or sporting event. Okay, the last point was in jest, but you get the idea. Everything is relative.

I am fully aware, that others may look at me and be thankful for the situation they are in. I hope they do. Don’t pity me, rather appreciate your own situation. I do the same. If you’re going to compare yourself, at least do it in such a way that it leaves you feeling thankful, grateful, joyful for the situation you find yourself in. Everything is relative.

Last year, Devon Walker, a Tulane football player broke his neck during a game. His injury was overshadowed by all of the press surrounding Eric Legrand, the Rutgers player who broke his neck two years earlier. However, his injury was at the same level as Eric’s, C3/C4. The same level as mine. I remember hearing about the injury the weekend it happened, and had often tried to find more information about the young man, but his family had made an active decision to keep it out of the media. I was happy to catch the update that ESPN ran last week.

I think it was appropriate timing, given September is recognized as National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness month.

Speaking of Eric Legrand, he had his number retired by Rutgers University last week. The first number ever retired by the school’s program.

Finally, a few more restaurants have signed on for the Stand Strong Fundraiser in October. If interested in attending, tickets may be purchased by clicking here.

My sincerest gratitude for all of your continued prayers and support!

Stand Strong!

Scott