Little differences being, I might just have to pop a wheelie, jump a curb, or crawl up a few steps, but I was getting there! Things were definitely different in now having looking for accessible restrooms, needing a little extra time getting in and out of a car and making sure I got to the movie theaters a little early so I could get into the accessible seats before everyone else took them. There were definitely a lot of day-to-day activities that I had to adapt and overcome. In my mind it was just a little inconvenience to live a normal life. (After I just wrote this, it got me to thinking that they weren't little inconveniences, they were just my new way of life and I wasn't going to sweat anything or stop me from being a young man).
Tim's Advice to a Newly Injured Individual:
First off, all I would say is your life is not over. I remember somebody telling me this once... If there are 10,000 things that an able body person can do, someone in a wheelchair can do 9,000. Don't focus on the 1,000 you CAN'T do, focus on the 1,000 you CAN do. I also like to say... it's the hand you're dealt, and in a game of poker any hand can win!!! I would also advise them to get an education, whether it be college, vo-tech, something, just get out there and be a productive citizen. I also encourage them to get into some type of physical activity. Do anything, yoga, martial arts, dancing, etc. Get involved in individual or team sports. Sports was a very important part of my "life rehab" if you will. Sports definitely helped to me as it kept me very competitive and challenged me with my opponents and life.
Please don't just do nothing and waste away. You're here for a reason, enjoy the journey searching for your reason.
-Tim Surry
14