Do you know how much I love being able to do those things?
After running Chicago last week, I’m going to share with you just how much I’m grateful to do those things too!
I’m tryna be brave here, friends.
I know many of you like this blog because of its upbeat vibe and positivity – and the happy-go-lucky of it all is just me in-real-life.
My positivity comes from what happened to me almost five years ago when I got into a pretty bad accident.
While I won’t get into the details, it was a serious, near fatal accident that left me in hospitals for months.
My parents were told that, if I did live, I would loose my hands and feet. They were told that I’d never walk again.
So many people said prayers for me and supported every small improvement I made. Still thankful and humbled!
The prayers were answered, but my ordeal wasn’t without pain, suffering, embarrassment and things that would affect me for the rest of my life.
I am an amputee. After the accident, I ended up losing most of the middle finger on my left hand and two toes on my left foot.
There were months of physical and occupational therapy. I had to relearn how to walk and type on a keyboard and tie the laces on my sneakers.
But I never had any doubt that I’d be able to continue on with my life.
Sure, some things are still hard to this day. It still does suck to lose something you’ve had for the majority of your life, something of yourself that is so priceless.
Why do bad things happen to people? Why me? How was this part of the plan? How is this my life?
It’s tough not being normal. But what the heck is “normal” anyway? There isn’t one face to an amputee. Just like those who suffer from illness, disease and other accidents, this could have happened to anyone… even me.
I do know that when bad things happen… good things always seem to follow.
I can run a mother-f****** marathon . I am perfectly healthy. I cook a good pizza. I bike, swim, do yoga and lift weights. I volunteer and help others with things. I try to be a good friend. I go out and have fun. I graduated on time with honors from one of the top colleges in the country. I work without any special accommodations. I dance and sing… not well, but I do it anyway. I have big goals and dreams. I am much, much wiser and appreciative. I love a lot of people and a lot of people love me!
I’m stronger now too.
The accident inspired that – or maybe I had to have it that way in spite of the accident.
As far as running is concerned, I run for my life and to honor my life.
I run because I can. When I get tired, I remember when I couldn’t run. I remember the people who can never run, what they’d give to be in my sneakers. I don’t take it for granted.
We all have our own struggles, but they can empower us too. It’s how we respond to them that matters. We can also do amazing things! People who thrive in spite of accidents, diseases and misfortunes are inspiring.
Come back stories are the best… they show that there are great opportunities in life’s setbacks.
Most days I don’t even think about my accident, I’m too busy living my life.
I’ve come to terms with everything and I would not take back my accident even if I could. The glass remains half full.
Sometimes I think that if I can give someone else hope through my life, it’s worth what I have lost.
One thing I do know for sure.
I will always be grateful for another day of being able to get up… to breathe in and out… to put on my sneakers… and to go for a nice, long… run.
If you would like, I’d love to hear any of your come back stories! Please! Leave a comment or email me! Thank you for making me feel comfortable enough to share this today. :-)
Do you know how much I love being able to do those things?
After running Chicago last week, I’m going to share with you just how much I’m grateful to do those things too!
I’m tryna be brave here, friends.
I know many of you like this blog because of its upbeat vibe and positivity – and the happy-go-lucky of it all is just me in-real-life.
My positivity comes from what happened to me almost five years ago when I got into a pretty bad accident.
While I won’t get into the details, it was a serious, near fatal accident that left me in hospitals for months.
My parents were told that, if I did live, I would loose my hands and feet. They were told that I’d never walk again.
So many people said prayers for me and supported every small improvement I made. Still thankful and humbled!
The prayers were answered, but my ordeal wasn’t without pain, suffering, embarrassment and things that would affect me for the rest of my life.
I am an amputee. After the accident, I ended up losing most of the middle finger on my left hand and two toes on my left foot.
There were months of physical and occupational therapy. I had to relearn how to walk and type on a keyboard and tie the laces on my sneakers.
But I never had any doubt that I’d be able to continue on with my life.
Sure, some things are still hard to this day. It still does suck to lose something you’ve had for the majority of your life, something of yourself that is so priceless.
Why do bad things happen to people? Why me? How was this part of the plan? How is this my life?
It’s tough not being normal. But what the heck is “normal” anyway? There isn’t one face to an amputee. Just like those who suffer from illness, disease and other accidents, this could have happened to anyone… even me.
I do know that when bad things happen… good things always seem to follow.
I can run a mother-f****** marathon . I am perfectly healthy. I cook a good pizza. I bike, swim, do yoga and lift weights. I volunteer and help others with things. I try to be a good friend. I go out and have fun. I graduated on time with honors from one of the top colleges in the country. I work without any special accommodations. I dance and sing… not well, but I do it anyway. I have big goals and dreams. I am much, much wiser and appreciative. I love a lot of people and a lot of people love me!
I’m stronger now too.
The accident inspired that – or maybe I had to have it that way in spite of the accident.
As far as running is concerned, I run for my life and to honor my life.
I run because I can. When I get tired, I remember when I couldn’t run. I remember the people who can never run, what they’d give to be in my sneakers. I don’t take it for granted.
We all have our own struggles, but they can empower us too. It’s how we respond to them that matters. We can also do amazing things! People who thrive in spite of accidents, diseases and misfortunes are inspiring.
Come back stories are the best… they show that there are great opportunities in life’s setbacks.
Most days I don’t even think about my accident, I’m too busy living my life.
I’ve come to terms with everything and I would not take back my accident even if I could. The glass remains half full.
Sometimes I think that if I can give someone else hope through my life, it’s worth what I have lost.
One thing I do know for sure.
I will always be grateful for another day of being able to get up… to breathe in and out… to put on my sneakers… and to go for a nice, long… run.
If you would like, I’d love to hear any of your come back stories! Please! Leave a comment or email me! Thank you for making me feel comfortable enough to share this today. :-)