“Some people look at the roses and scoff at the thorns, I look at the thorns and rejoice at the roses.”
Today’s quote is all about perspective. It’s all just a matter of perspective. I used to always hear this before my accident. Now it is I who preaches this. As I mentioned in another post after watching the movie The Diving Bell and the Butterfly it really helped me appreciate what I have. Yet, someone might look at me and it will help them appreciate what they have. It’s all relative.
I want to move things. I want to feel things. I want to take care of myself more than I can. But right now that’s not the case. However, I can still appreciate things. In fact, I can appreciate them more. I like using the computer more now than ever — because I was once told I wouldn’t be able to do this. I like eating my favorite food and trying new things more now than ever — because I was once told I wouldn’t be able to do this either. I can go on and on. The fact of the matter is there is a lot I appreciate. There’s a lot I still want, but there is a lot I still have. Make sure you all take the time every day to appreciate what you still have.
I recently read an article about a 23-year-old who broke his neck in a diving accident very similar to my accident. I read his journal at Caring Bridge, read what his family was going through, read what he is going through. I’ve sent his family a message to let them know that I can appreciate what they are going through. I wanted to let them know it will get better. Times will be tough, but they will get better. I once laid in a hospital bed thinking my life was over and allowed depression to wash over me and completely engulf me. There were other people who heard about my situation, who were also paralyzed, and sent me e-mails telling me that it would get better. These messages and comments were very helpful to me. And they were right, things do get better. That is why I wanted to send a message to this kid who broke his neck — I wanted to pay it forward. Interestingly enough, I received an e-mail today from one of the workers at Metro Hospital asking me if I’d be interested in coming there to speak to a young 25-year-old woman who recently broke her neck is going through a hard time. I didn’t even have to think about this. I am headed there Thursday to speak with her, and looking forward to it.
Don’t get me wrong, I can still get down in the dumps. I was this way a little bit today while at the hospital for my tests. One of the doctors told me that I probably won’t get much back in the way of returning recovery, and I’ll probably stay the way I am. I got depressed, then angry, then downright pissed off. He is a doctor, he has an opinion, but is not God. My recovery is in the hands of God not this doctor’s hands. Odds may be against me, but there’s no way I’m giving up. I’m in for a long fight, but up to the challenge. As I said before, and as the doctors have also said, all SCIs are different. The doctor today was talking about the typical injury. But I’ve never been accused of being “typical”.
The busy week continues tomorrow. Tomorrow morning is my EMG test. This is a test I have been most looking forward to since it measures nerve activity below the level of injury. I have to remind myself that even if it’s not the result I want, it just means it’s not time yet. I need to stay positive. Thursday I’ll be back at Metro for x-rays and MRIs and a final consult with the surgeon and anesthesiologist.
In closing, I’d be remiss if I did not mention what a night we had last night! Brian Henke came and played his guitar for myself and a select group of about 12. Brian is a very accomplished guitar player who plays a style known as finger — picking. This type of music can be classified as pastoral. To watch Brian play is just as amazing as the music he plays. The way he holds the guitar, the way he moves his hands, and the various different styles he uses all flow together to produce some of the most beautiful acoustic sounds I have ever heard. I am a fan of music and can appreciate good music when I hear it, but Brian’s music transcends all this. I would encourage you to view some of his stuff on YouTube. Watch the way he plays and you will be amazed! Ever want to watch them last night felt this way as well.
It’s late, and I need to get in bed to get some rest for tomorrow. As always, thank you for your prayers and support!
Scott
I am a friend of the mother of the 23 year old who broke his neck last month. I saw the post you put on his Caring Bridge website and I felt that I needed to come to your website to learn about you and what you had been through. I have been friends with Cathy (the 23 year old’s mom) for almost 40 years. We went to junior and senior high together. She has been through so much this past year with her own health and now this horrible accident with her son. I am sure she appreciates the encouragement that you are giving her son and the entire family. You sound like an incredible man and I am inspired by the accomplishments that you have made since your accident. I am wondering though if I could ever be as optimistic as you seem. I know that we all deal with our challenges in different ways and you seem to have made the best of just a horrible situation. My prayers have mostly been guided toward Ryan, but will now include you too. Keep up the great work and inspiration to the many people who have been, are and will be in devastating situations. May God bless you and your family.
Think about what you want, not what you don’t want. Keep guarding your thoughts carefully because they create your experiences. 1/2 second before you hold a thought you decide to hold it. Keep monitoring and altering your thoughts. Focus only on loving and wellness thoughts.
In the Book of John, Jesus promises us at the Last Supper “verily, I say unto you, he that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he also do and greater works than these shall he do, because I go unto the Father”
The following is from the book: Saint Germaine On Alchemy
(for the Adept in the Aquarian Age Recorded by Elizabeth Clare Prophet and Mark L. Prophet
“Summon then the purity of purpose which will make your creative design good, challenge the base elements which aris like hobgoblins to disturb and try the plan that you have begun, patiently disign your God-design and achieve the desires of your heart right here and now. god’s purpose is to teach mankind how to obtain for themselves every gracious gift and virtue which their lifestreams might require in finding the way back home to God’s Heart. Keep constantly humble and grateful as God places within YOUR HANDS the Key to the control of natural forces.
See you soon,
Pat
Hi Scott,
My name is Brad Rodstrom. You don’t know me. I heard about your accident from a coworker of mine. Her name is Valerie and she is your cousin. I have been asking about your progress since your accident and she was kind enough to share your website with me.
I wanted to let you know that my family went through a similar situation that you and your family are going through. My brother, Kevin, was diagnosed with ALS and passed away in December of 2008 – four years after diagnosis.
Although his condition was not the same as yours, he suffered many of the same frustrations that you undoubtedly do. He too used his computer to reach out to the world and in the process taught us all a valuable lesson about how strong the human spirit is.
I see that same spirit in you and I want you to know that you inspire me. I’ll continue to check in on your progress and watch as you continue on your journey.
Thank you for that.
Most sincerely,
Brad Rodstrom
Hi Scott,
I am a friend of Kelly’s(rash) I don’t believe we have ever met, but I’ve heard a lot about you and of the dynamic life you are leading. Notice I say “are leading” not “have led” you are still being dynamic even now.
I wanted to share a story with you. Last year I think around March, I was given the opprotunity to go and see a man Nick Vujicic who was born with no arms and no legs. Talk about a hard life, the man had no arms and no legs! His entired life, he’s always had everyone do things for him. He had no other choice. For a human being, that is so hard to swallow. We really want to do things our own way and independently don’t we? The thing we forget most often is that we should NEVER be doing things our own way but doing things God’s way.
God is giving you the opprotunity to do things His way. It’s hard though, ya know it’s just like a parent. He always knows what’s best but we never let Him tell us.
Well back Nick, he took this aweful horrible situation and now he travels the world and talks about the amazing power of God’s love. Out of everyone he has met, there has been only one other person who was born like him. could you imagine if he was born with a full functioning body? He would never be able to bless people the way that he has.
When you get a chance go to YouTube and type in his name of Life without Limbs, thats the organization he started. It will bless your life.
I am praying for you Scott! The rosaries are coming and reguardless of what happens, whether you have a full recovery or not, God is holding onto you and He’s still got big plans for you.
God Bless,
Mandy Driscoll
Hi Scott,
We have a mutual friend, Ann Keis…she has gone to visit you with the priest who visits you.
I am writing to you from Fatima, Portugal, where Our Lady appeared to help the world.
As a retired nurse, I really appreciate your attitude toward your situation. PLEASE continue your letters of inspiration to many others.
God Bless you and KNOW that you are being prayed for in Fatima.
Love and prayers,
Junette (and my husband Alan, too!!)
Scott – I am so proud to know you ! Glad you can help others in the stages of this horrible injury. You have passed many milestones and have more to get through yourself.
Be strong – know that God is with you and as much as you can’t believe this – you are His hands and His feet and He is using you to be a voice in the wilderness to others !
Be God’s – what else is there really – it is the one, only and main thing.
HI Scott,
How wonderful that you are going to be involved with those who have had spinal cord injuries. You certainly are paying it forward. I think God lets you know in so many ways that he is in charge of your life and gives you the strength to live each day knowing that.
You continure to amaze.
God bless,
Love,
Cherry
Hey Scotty,
Whenever I am stressed and overwhelmed with things I read your posts and you put things into perspective. I always look to your words of wisdom and it gives me strength. You are a fighter, always have been and always will be. Your faith is amazing too. I have much to learn about faith and to leave more in God’s hands. Love you man!
That guitar guy is amazing too! Bet that was a sweet show!
Scott, There is no doubt in my mind that you will prove the doctors wrong and you will be able to move again. Attitude is everything. It is a good thing to talk to other people in your situation and have a support group. You are a born leader. It is those baby steps to reach your goal.
Donna
I was so uplifted to read your statement “He is a doctor – he has an opinion, but is not God. My recovery is in the hands of God not this doctor’s hands.” Oh to lead with faith is the greatest gift of all. God Bless You for your undying faith.
I was so glad to hear also that you are going to meet with that 25 yr. old woman – how encouraged she will be by your visit. You have touched so many lives since July 3, 2009 – you AMAZE me!!!
Good Luck with all your tests. You are always in my prayers.
God Bless You (Bobbi’s friend)
Scott: While we continue to pray for you, you continue to inspire us. How proud am I to be related to you!! Good luck with the tests tomorrow. Marilou