I became a quad 25 years ago. Here’s what my disability taught me.
It happened 25 years ago and I remember it like it was yesterday. I was 14 years old and fighting a cold. But on the early morning of Sept. 12, 1997, I stumbled out of my bed and into my parents’ room.
“I can’t breathe, I need to go to the ER,” I murmured.
My dad jumped out of bed and raced me down to the emergency room.
After being airlifted to a second hospital, I fell into a coma. Four days later, I awoke without the ability to move my arms and legs.
My life as a shy, quiet freshman in high school was no more. I was now a quadriplegic and scared out of my mind.
I would spend the next eight months in the hospital adjusting to my new life in a wheelchair. For the next 25 years, I navigated the highs and lows of being a person with a disability. I have learned a lot about myself and the world around me. Here are a few of the things I found:
Patience is my superpower: When you rely on others for virtually every aspect of your life, you quickly develop a deep sense of patience. Whether it’s waiting for your strength to return or someone to change the channel on your TV, it has come in handy more often than you think.
Never ever lose hope: It’s been two decades since I took my last steps, but I still try to move my arms and legs every morning when I wake up. Yes, my arms may never lift from my mattress, but that won’t keep me from trying.
Success and happiness are a group effort: As much as I have accomplished over the past two decades, I couldn’t achieve any of it without my incredible family and friends. Their help has been invaluable and I will never be able to find enough words to thank them.
Disability is not a death sentence: For years, having a disability has held a negative stigma. Being disabled meant you couldn’t have a fulfilling life or be happy. After being a wheelchair user for 25 years, I can safely say that couldn’t be further from the truth. Sure, having a disability isn’t ideal, but it doesn’t immediately mean your life isn’t worth living.
My life has taken plenty of twists and turns since I became a quadriplegic. I met some incredible people, saw some fantastic places and built a successful career. My disability has given me a valuable perspective for which I am forever grateful. 25 years have come and gone and I have learned so much. Here’s to hoping the next 25 years will lead to even more knowledge and growth.