As part of SCI Awareness Month, The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation has a campaign entitled What I Now Know. They asked individuals living with a spinal cord injury to transport themselves back to the time of their injury and write a letter to their future self.
Dear Scott:
Right now, lying in this bed you feel that life is over and no longer worth living. You just broke your neck, drowned, and woke up in a living hell. In fact, in a few days a doctor will ask you if you still want to live.
#WhatINowKnow is this isn’t the end, but rather just the beginning. And I don’t mean that in a Pollyanna way.
Yes, there will still be very difficult days ahead and adversity will be your companion. But so too will resiliency. And that resiliency will open new doors and reward you with new experiences, deeper relationships, and more fulfillment than you ever thought possible. And although you feel completely dependent on others, you will soon be in a position that affords you the opportunity to offer others the support and assistance needed to confront their own challenges.
You will discover that adversity does not define you. Rather, it will be how you handle the adversity that defines you.
I realize you find it hard to believe me, but trust me, I wouldn’t lie to you. I’m your biggest fan and will be rooting for you!
Stand Strong!
Your future self
Scott this post applies to so many situations and circumstances in life
thank you thank you
that IS a great pic!
I woke up this morning feeling anxious about many things.
You just made my day and put a smile on my face.
Wow, amazing. Thank you. We are looking forward to sending copies of your book to family members for Christmas 🎄
That picture is just incredible Scott…your faith and strength continue to amaze me and so many others. God bless.
Beautifully written by a beautiful soul!