“Happiness is focusing on what you have, not on what you don’t have.”
Being paralyzed sucks! Spinal cord injuries suck! In fact, there is even a website that exists by the same name. However, this journal entry is not about harping on that fact, but rather focusing on all that is good about my spinal cord injury.
As I was traveling to Metro Hospital today to get my staples removed, I witnessed a site that made me pause and reflect on all that is good in my life. There was a man, who most likely was homeless, standing on the side of the road holding a sign which asked for help. I am sure most of us have driven by a similar scene on several occasions. This was not the first time I noticed someone down on their luck begging for a meal or a few dollars to get them through the day. But it was the first time in a while that I took a moment to thank God for all that I have in my life – a roof over my head, access to food whenever I want, surrounded by people who love me and care for me. Yes, I may be paralyzed and unable to move the way I desire to, but I’m willing to bet there are people out there who’d rather be in my situation than the one they find themselves in. I also keep my heart filled with hope, something many people have given up on. At that moment this afternoon, my life didn’t seem so difficult.
Unfortunately, I was reminded of the harsh reality of a spinal cord injury a few minutes later. While waiting in the lobby of the hospital for my mom who was parking the car, a young man in his 20s who was paralyzed from the waist down, wheeled himself past me. He was accompanied by a gentleman from “Provide a Ride” a local transportation service for those who need it. I overheard the young man comment that he didn’t need his coat since he would only be outside for a minute while loading into the vehicle to take him home. Several minutes later the driver of the vehicle hurried past me looking for doctors to help him with an emergency. I couldn’t see what was going on from where I was positioned, but hoped it was nothing serious. A few minutes later my mother arrived and we headed over to meet with the neurosurgeon. As we rounded the corner I immediately saw several people looking out the window and commenting on the events that were unfolding in front of them.
It was at this moment that I realized what the emergency was the man had sought help for minutes earlier. The young paralyzed man was lying flat on his back, his head against the pavement, behind the transportation van. Apparently, as he was on the motorized lift attached to the back of the vehicle, he rolled backwards and fell off the lift, smacking down on the hard pavement a few feet below him. The poor guy lay motionless on the pavement, his body and wheelchair twisted together in a mangled mess. He wasn’t moving anything. I then noticed his coat draped over him. I wanted to cry and felt sick to my stomach as I thought about this kid, who was at the hospital by himself, heading home, getting ready for the holidays… And now in a world of hurt and headed back inside to the hospital for quite possibly a longer stay. I don’t know the extent of his injuries, but judging by the scene I wouldn’t be surprised if he had a traumatic brain injury or even a broken neck or back. I still don’t know how he’s doing at this moment, but am praying for him.
Why did this have to happen? Especially to someone who obviously had already been through so much in his life. I know of a few people who have broken their necks several different times. I can only hope and pray that this was not another instance of something bad happening to someone who had already been forced to sacrifice so much. I am hoping that he is okay and is nursing nothing more than a bruised head and pounding headache.
In less than a half an hour I witnessed two, different, surreal images that both affected me in a very powerful way. Both instances reminded me how unpredictable and unfair life can be, and how we should focus on all the good going on in our lives, because it could all change. It may change slowly over time or in the blink of an eye, but there’s never a guarantee that tomorrow will be as good as today. Choose to focus on everything good in your life, appreciate it and find your happiness.
As for the rest of my day, it was pretty uneventful compared to the aforementioned events. All of the staples were removed from the back of my head and my scar looks to be healing nicely. Unfortunately, the doctor suggested I hold off on resuming physical therapy and workout sessions until after the first year. It is important that I give the muscles time to heal. Although I am chomping at the bit to get back to working out, I plan to heed his advice and take the time to let my body repair itself.
Finally, today is Pearl Harbor Day and I want to express my gratitude to all of our veterans and men and women currently serving in the military. Thank you for the sacrifices you have made and continue to make for us.
And I want to thank all of you for your continued prayers and support. Stand strong!
Scott