Humble Reminders

                                           

I know this man who received very serious injuries in an accident several years ago. He fell off of a cliff while riding a horse. The horse then fell off of the cliff and landed on top of him. He had very severe injuries and thought that he would never be able to get out of a bed and walk again. Through some “tough love” from a family member he was prompted to get himself up and eventually he recovered enough to walk again (with some level of difficulty). He even recovered enough to ride horses again. I met him after all of this happened, but I have always known him to be a physically disabled individual who is very positive and happy. I would only see him for short periods of time because he lives in another state and would only come to visit relatives here for a month or so at a time.

I heard recently that he is not doing well at all. He has experienced some very serious setbacks and his body seems to be degenerating quickly. Still, his wife says that he expects to get off of every machine and walk again in the future. Wow.

What freaks me out a little about this man is the fact that he has always treated me as though I suffered greater problems than him through my accident injuries, when that couldn’t be farther from the truth. I do not consider my injuries to be on the same level as his. This guy has suffered some really serious damage to his body and has done so with true grit and determination. Despite all of that, he feels that I am somehow worthy of greater concern than him. It humbles me greatly.

This man’s testimony serves to remind me of how it is that I should face the future; bold, happy, and filled with hope. I will always see him as an inspiration toward recovery and the ability to enjoy life. I know that I must never give up regardless of the challenge!