Wow it’s been a long two years but I’ve really made so much progress. I haven’t blogged about it yet but last Friday I went up skiing for the first time after my crash. Even found the spot where it happened.
I’ve had a lot of ups and downs, good times and bad ones but today, on this anniversary, I’m stoked. The first year anniversary was rough, I felt depressed and stagnated and like nothing was getting better. I ended up out at a dive bar alone drinking myself stupid. This year I’ve grown so much I have a great outlook on life and am looking forward to this year. This year the anniversary is a celebration. If you look at the blog entries you can tell how much things have changed for me. Over the last year I rarely talk about my disability and am not fixated on it like I was. Now I fixated on healthy things, like living life.
I’ve got a bunch more thoughts to talk about regarding my physical and mental recovery and maybe I’ll get round to writing those down some time. I want to close today's blog with two things.
First, thank you so much for all your thoughts and prayers over the last two years. Especially: Drew, who always wants to know how I’m doing and what he can do to make things better. Joe, who like Drew is always there to help out and encourage me. Matt, you make me laugh and always cheer me up. Mom, you always love me no matter what. Dad, you always want to help me out. Brother John, living with you that first year was truly a blessing. Brett, you are an awesome housemate for a dude with one and a half arms. Todd, talking with you about things is always easy and you’ve got great insight. All the doctors, PT’s, OT’s, Nurses, Massage Therapists and Counselors, without whom I’d never be where I am today. Jive Peeps, who have put up with countless out of the office hours for doctor appointments and who shouldered the load when I was in the hospital and having surgery (Kevin and Nate especially). Coach Shawn, who’s going to help me make the national team. My awesome Portland Velo teammates, you guys are an inspiration and tons of fun. I’m sure that there are more people out there whom I’m forgetting
Final thought: I Ski again!!!!!!! This picture is taken from the top of the Run where I wrecked two years ago. I found the tree I hit and You'll see that in a future blog post.
6 comments:
You rock Joel! I want to see a picture of you kicking the tree's ass.
You're such a badass. Really.
Congratulations Joel! Your approach to life has been inspiring. It's incredible how you've overcome your disability to enjoy the things you love in life. It has taught me to push myself more and not let my back injury limit me from everything I want to do.
Joel, I only know who you are through the UBPN website. I have followed your blog shortly after my accident that also left me with a partially paralyzed arm. I have had good recovery so far. You have actually inspired me along the way with your positive outlook in your blog writing. I too started a blog and am looking at life much differently now. Cheers to you bro! Thanks for sharing. JJ (Humboldtmtnbkr)
Keep up the good work Joel. I have a feeling there are even bigger events for you in the future! see you soon,
RC
Thanks for the kind words. You are truly inspiring. I often think of how strong you've been during all of this recovery. Damn, man, you ran a marathon through all this.
Also, you totally need to piss on that tree.
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