Twice in a Lifetime
Twice in a LifetimeI feel as though I have been given the opportunity to live two lives. Not many people are fortunate enough to be given a second chance when they are physically injured as seriously as I have been.
My first life began on August 24, 1954. It suddenly and unexpectedly ended at the bottom of a pond on the evening of July 1, 1970. After diving and hitting bottom, my body lost its sense of feeling. Underwater, totally paralyzed, I was unable to save myself. Although I held my breath as long as possible, I eventually had to inhale. It was at that point that I lost consciousness. Right at that moment I thought to myself, "So this is how it (my life) ends for me." That thought however, was reality for me at that time. I didn't panic nor was I afraid. Ironically, it was a very calm, peaceful and soothing experience. So ended my first life.
That same evening, my second life began as I regained consciousnessen and realized I was being given mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Choking and gasping for air, I gradually regained my senses and realized where I was and that I was "OK." I was alive. The thought of dying had vanished.
In an instant, I had gone from a muscular high school athlete to someone who could only move his head from side to side. Only moments earlier, I could run like the wind and had the physical strength to lift several hundred pounds. I had no idea what was wrong or what lie ahead.
This second life was a totally different journey. My arms and legs were nonfunctional and I would eventually be left with very few usable muscles. My intellectual abilities were left intact. Psychologically I was fine but the adjustments that would be required of me in the days, months and years ahead were something I could never have imagined. It would be these struggles that would prove to be the biggest challenges I would ever have to face.
Yes, I have been given two chances at life. Two totally different lives. Do I feel fortunate? Undoubtedly!