Inevitably, every year as this day draws near, I’m asked how I’m feeling and what’s going through my head.
I get it. It’s natural for people to want to know how each anniversary affects me. Recently, I touched on this very topic during a podcast when I mentioned how I appreciate the significance of anniversaries, but the reality is that I live with my injury every day. I believe it is this acceptance that spares me having to battle a wave of emotions each July 3.
That being said…
This year I have reflected on the significance of the day. After all it’s been 15 years and that seemed to prompt some deeper reflection. I even calculated how many seconds that is (the answer is approximately 473 million if you’re wondering).
What did this reflection yield?
I find myself contemplating the passage of time and how much life has been used up over the past one and a half decades. I ask myself: Have I done enough? Have I made the most of the time I’ve been given? What would I have done differently? And like many others, I ponder the future: How much time do I have left? What unfinished business do I wish to accomplish? Will I ever do those things or is it too late?
I also grapple with the paradox of time – how it seems to move incredibly fast as it slowly inches along. Or does it creep by as it hurtles past? Either way, you get what I mean. Of course, I get the fact that as we age, each year becomes a smaller proportion of our total life, perhaps creating the illusion that time passes more quickly as we get older. But because of my situation, I often feel that time moves a tick faster for me, perhaps because statistically I know I am supposed to have less time than others and try to remain cognizant of its preciousness. Unfortunately, I think of how many friends and acquaintances I have met with SCIs who sadly are no longer alive today.
I will be the first to admit that I don’t always spend my time wisely and do procrastinate at times. After all, I’m still human. However, I still appreciate how finite life on this planet is and while I may not know when the sands of time will run out, I get to decide how to spend whatever time I do have left. We may be dying, but we’re not dead yet.
I hope when that long black train finally pulls into the station, I will be able to look back on my life and be proud of how I spent my days. I realize I was given a second chance and hope I will be able to say I made the most of it. Ultimately, I hope my accomplishments (for the greater good) will outweigh my regrets.
I just want to reiterate how grateful I am for the continuous support I have received. I am here today because of that support. And coupled with strong faith and an incredible family, these are the gifts I have been given which have certainly stood the test of time!
Stand Strong!
Scott
PS – if you’re curious what was going through my head the past anniversaries:
Year 14 ; Year 13 ; Year 12 ; Year 11 ; Year 10 ; Year 9 ; Year 8 ; Year 7 ; Year 6 ; Year 5 ; Year 4 ; Year 3 ; Year 2 ; Year 1
Scott, your bravery, as you continuously swim against the current of the world in which you live in, is an ongoing source of inspiration and example of living life to the fullest for countless individuals, including myself. Thank you for your post. Sarah
Scott, never second guess that you haven’t done enough with your life. I am so proud of you, and your accomplishments and I know Ryan would be too. It’s hard to believe he”ll be gone 7 years this August. SCI’s are horrific and at times, insurmountable, as I know only too well. The courage to face every day is a God given gift. Stay strong!
Michelle
(Ryan Housholder’s mom)
Scott, you’ve accomplished plenty these past 15 years. There are healthy people who are living a life turned inward, and there are people in your situation who are bitter and have no desire to write books and blogs, give speeches, and attend events to show your support of another person. You took adversity and have shown other people how to live, how not to be the victim, how to continue to love God. None of that has gone unnoticed. God bless you as you continue your challenging but important journey.
Scott,
All I can say is, I’m extremely happy my friend is still here to enjoy another 4th of July and many more. All a result of your hard work, dedication, the good Lord and your amazing outlook on life.
Happy 4th … Alex
Scott, wishing you all the best in the years ahead.
Scott, your courage and resilience are exemplary. In fact, the deacon at my parish in Jacksonville, Florida recently told your story in his sermon. May your year ahead and the ones that follow be more fulfilling than ever.
Stay Strong Scott
Thank you insights and reminders for gratitude.
Never doubt, Scott, that you have made a difference in the lives of many. Thank you.
Thanks for your post Scott. I always like reading your posts. Your words help me reflect ….. both the positives and things I need to improve in my life ….. while also showing me how to be grateful for what I have. Happy 4th and God Bless!
Scott, you are on my mind and in my heart. . . often. Your words are a comfort and provider of hope. Love, Martha
Powerful words! Strength for your journey. What an inspiration to many you are !!!
You are an inspiration, my friend. I’m so glad to know you. You exemplify faith, hope, and love, and are a powerful example of a positive mindset. Stay strong!
I remember each year with Mikey’s birthday- ❤️ I look forward to reading all the previous posts – so cool you could link and reflect. Sending love!
“I looked in the abyss. I found my character, and I have stayed out of the abyss.”
That’s one that I need to remember.
Inevitably, the next click is to ‘Year 1’. I’ve read many of your blogs but I’d never read that one. It’s amazing to know how far you’ve come. I have to say that I spent many years “thinking” that I was atheist, at least wanting to be because it seemed easier, for one reason or another, for the negatiive things that get thrown at you over the years. But slowly and surely I’ve come out of that way of thinking and have rediscovered belief. I think that what is coming cannot be put into human context or words, but we need to do our best with what we’ve been given here first. There is a verse that you know well that captures this, and I think of it often. Some of that faith, I’m sure, I can contribute to you and from what I’ve learned from you. As much as that might seem strange for me to say from so far away. Us Catholic boys gotta stick together!
Then from ‘Year 1’ click to the day’s first post from your beautiful mum (Aussie spelling!). And I found myself catching my breath a number of times as I read it. There is nothing so powerful as a mother’s love for her child. Her words made me appreciate my own mother more, as mine is now on her own journey of suffering and I need to be there for her as much as possible.
You’re well on your way up that mountain.
Scott -you are amazing and such an inspiration dealing with the cards you were dealt.