My Story

My life changed forever on January 14, 1980. I was injured on our family farm and became paralyzed, a quadriplegic. At the time I was 19, working on the farm, involved with athletics(especially baseball), and engaged to be married. Talk about a wake-up call. Just when you think your life is going so well, it changes in a matter of seconds. So many dreams were dashed and my future was unclear. Without the support of family and friends (especially the few who stood by me), I shudder to think how my life would be.

It’s been a long 28 years but it still seems like yesterday. You learn to appreciate the little things and don’t worry about others. Live one day at a time, sometimes hour by hour. Plenty of time has been spent in the hospital with health problems. Infections, bed sores, kidney stones, pneumonia. Through it all I feel these challenges have made me that much stronger.

I keep busy with my computers, doing everything from making personalized DVDs, slideshows, business cards, labels, and just about anything that anyone wants. Rest of my time is spent reading and watching sports. Because of health issues I have not been in my wheelchair since 2001 but I am blessed to have my laptop and software that allows me to use a computer by voice. I don’t know what I would do without it.

Thanks to all of you who have stood by me over the years and continue to do so. I have met many new people and fortunate to have a wonderful nursing staff, although they do torture me good-naturedly of course.