“Being uncomfortable helps you appreciate what you have.”
This past weekend I watched a documentary called, “The Ride,” which captured, Phil Keoghan (the producer of The Amazing Race) as he rode across country to raise money for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. During one segment of the film he spoke about how tired and rundown he felt after riding over 100 miles for 20 days straight, and still having some 1,500 more miles to ride. But just when he felt too tired to go on and wanting to give up, he remembered who it was he was riding for, and how those individuals living with MS would gladly trade places with him. They would happily accept feeling broken and battered from cycling 2,000 miles than they would from going through the monotonous routine of getting up each morning and facing the day –a day which often brings with it pain, discomfort and more pain.
Being uncomfortable helps you appreciate what you have. I have been battling some pretty stiff neck and muscle pain these past couple weeks that just doesn’t want to go away. The pain brings with it constant cracking and crunching, brought on from the onset of arthritis, an ailment someone who just celebrated his 36th birthday typically shouldn’t have to deal with. In a strange way, I have accepted it as a normal occurrence. After all, what choice do I have. However, as uncomfortable as the pain may seem, it reminds me of days past, how much better shape my body is in today than it was 20 months ago. And for that, I am very appreciative.
I also continue to be appreciative of the wonderful people who have come into my life as a result of my accident. New friendships I have formed that I am very grateful for. People like the Bradesca family and the Voegele family, both which stopped by this past weekend, leaving behind in their wake plenty of birthday wishes, goodies and monster brownies on steroids. I also had a chance to catch up with a buddy from high school I hadn’t seen in some time. This injury has also brought with it a plethora of “bittersweet” acquaintances – chance meetings with remarkable families that unfortunately share a common bond of being connected through a spinal cord injury. The Johnson family is a great example.
Several months ago I talked about the Johnsons, a family in Florida whose lives were ravaged as a result of a horrific automobile accident. The accident left their three-year-old son, Owen, with a high level cervical SCI. Last week the family traveled to Cleveland so that Owen could be implanted with the Diaphragmatic Pacing System, the same device that helped me get off the ventilator. Fortunately, I’m happy to report that all the prayers were answered and the surgery was a success. In fact, Owen is already up to 80 minutes at a time when pacing, less than a week after the operation.
My mom and I went to visit Owen, his baby sister, Renée, and his parents, Susannah and David at Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital last Thursday. When we got there, Owen was waking up from a nap and finishing off a pacing session. He was a little groggy, but still such a trooper considering all that he had been through in the past 24 hours. Baby Renée was all smiles and giggles and quite animated. Susannah and David, two incredibly strong individuals who have faced more adversity in the past eight months than many people will face a lifetime, were wonderful to be around. The only downside of the whole visit was that David was wearing a Florida Gators fleece. However, we brought Owen a few gifts – Indians, Browns, Cavaliers and Buckeyes apparel, so at least one of the Johnson men could be properly dressed. Please continue to keep the Johnson family in your prayers, along with all of us who live with paralysis.
Finally, I picked up the new Bruce Springsteen CD which came out today. In my opinion, it’s some of his best work, and if you’re a fan of The Boss a “must have.” I’m excited to see him in concert again in a few weeks. In the meantime, I’m continuing to work hard during my physical therapy, using each session to build off the momentum of the previous session. Keeping my faith in the Lord and remaining appreciative for all that I have in my life.
As always, thank you for your continued prayers and support! Stand Strong!
Scott