"At least I have my health" this is what you say when you feel as if you have nothing else. Your health really is something you don't think about until you lose it.
When I was young, I remember riding my bike all around the small town I grew up in. Being the son of teachers and coaches, playing little league athletics, then junior high and high school athletics was almost expected. In addition, living minutes away from some of the best skiing in the world spoiled me.
As an adult, I joined my kids in their snowboard lessons. I traded my skis for a snowboard, and every winter we enjoyed our time together on the mountain. Later on, as a high school football official I exercised, stretched, and ran to stay in shape. Each year I got older and the young athletes seemed to get stronger.
According to the national spinal cord injury statistics center, (V9.2 SAS System Output (uab.edu)) Almost 81% of spinal cord injuries are male and 12% of those injuries are sports-related accidents. I guess you would call my accident a sports related accident as I was boogie boarding in the surf on the East Coast of Oahu when I crashed headfirst onto the shore - this is what they mean by "Dangerous Shore break".
Being active was a blessing and a curse. The sudden, drastic, and painful loss of motor function was at times almost too much to bear. At the same time, I had at least one advantage over many others injured in their 50s - I was at least in enough physical shape that had to have helped in my rehab. My oldest said it both good and bad this accident happened to me. Bad, because I lost my ability to maintain an active lifestyle, but good because if anyone in the family could face this challenge it was me.
The Centers for Disease Control recommends at least 30 minutes of activity a day and at least two days a week that include muscle strengthening activities. (Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition (health.gov)) if there is anything that I could share regarding the ability to manage the challenges you are faced, it would be the importance of maintaining your physical health. Eliminate the daily soda, fast food, and go for a walk at the end of the day. It will help you clear your head and stay strong for when you need it.
“There I go, turn the page”. – R.C. Seger
Rafting the Rio Grande Gorge South of Taos, NM with my family
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