I sent this as an e-mail to family and friends some time ago. As yet a further introduction to who I am, I thought I'd post it here. I'd love to hear if you have anything you'd add to the list : )
Good Morning,
Last week I had a Thoughtful Thursday...
That date (Jan. 3) marked 17 yrs. since SCI (spinal cord injury)…
With my undying love for the physical…running, jumping, climbing, sliding, diving, log rolling etc. I can honestly say if I had my choice I would still like to give it back.
…but God stamped NO RETURNS or yelled NO TAP-BACKS after this one.
(I’m even willing to stand in the customer service line after x- mas!!!...indefinitely)
BUT today I can also see there is much good. I've come up with a list.
17 Good Things About SCI
1. I get to meet interesting people
2. I get to use jargon or “lingo”
3. I have interesting scars that suggest character
4. I always wear tennis shoes
5. I get to watch TV drama and laugh. Soap opera paralysis..."after Ben operated on his own spinal cord. He faked his paralysis to keep Caroline..."
6. I get to judge all actors' performances for accurate limps (Martin on Frasier…not very good)
7. In general, The Salvation Army ringers ding at me less
8. I have options when it comes to chairs—most people like for disabled people to sit
9. I can honk my horn for service at the gas station...although I've never done this
10. I leave interesting tracks in the snow
11. I have an “in” with Gloria Estefan! Come on
shake that body baby do the Conga! (...tour bus
accident)
12. I would be a good parent. I have no problems
talking poop.
13. At the grocery, I can push my cart through the wrong set of automatic doors (because they’re closer)…and not raise a fuss
14. I get a big sense of accomplishment out of smaller things; e.g., I have been on "Arctic expeditions" cleaning off my car with crampons and ice pick! (cheap plastic ice scrapper and tennis shoes)
15. Clear vision-I can spot an a-hole a mile away!
16. Perfect way to hang out a little longer with people you like; SCI brings some really good people into your life…e.g., people who don’t mind waiting with you and being the last to leave a crowded movie theater.
17. I fall asleep fast and dream big
okay, Happy Monday.
--Amanda C5-C6, incomplete quad
