A Support Network

Living through a catastrophic accident, an individual is only as strong as their immediate support system. My support system has always been my family, and to a certain extent, my close friends.

During the first few years after my injury, I was confused about everything that was happening to me. I just “went with the flow.” What else could I have done? My choices at the time seemed very limited or even nonexistent. Often, I was extremely difficult to be around. My family, my friends, they had a choice. They didn’t have to stick by me.

I remember those times as though they happened yesterday. I was very mean and grumpy, probably more often than not. I’m not proud of the fact that I acted that way. It definitely wasn’t intentional on my part nor was it something I was conscious of. This happened for a much longer time and more frequently than I care to admit but my family and close friends tolerated me. They stuck with me when they didn’t have to. They could have easily said, “We don’t have to put up with this behavior/attitude.” With admiration and respect I must say no friend or family member ever gave up on me.

This ongoing ordeal of living with a spinal cord injury had its roughest times at the beginning and I often think it was more difficult for my family and friends than it was for me. How lucky I am for their continued encouragement and support; something I can never repay them for.