Tim, my experience with sci mirrors yours exactly. I have a tad more
function and a girlfriend/lifetime partner of 19 years, but I never
was in denial or a depressive phase about my paralysis. So the so
called 3 stages depression, denial, acceptance were never part of my
psyche.
Best,
Brien
On Apr 2, 2006, at 10:25 AM, Tim Thompson wrote:
Thanks for taking the time and showing an interest.
First, IMHO, the way one reacts to their disability has many factors
which effect their life not only during recoverey but afterwards.
The question of their reaction to a quick or sudden onslaught
resulting in their condition IMO is based on their spirit (character)
which is developed through life experiences and the culture they were
raised in. In my case, I was 43 and on my way home, on a mountain top
in the Blackhills of SD, when a mule deer jumped up on the road, on
the drivers side with his head full of a large rack coming towards the
windsheild. I had time for two words as I swerved and found myself
leaving the road.
Several moments later I knew better than to let a good samaritan move
me, as I had no feeling below my shoulders.
I'd been a stuntman, and an adrenaline junkie all my life. At the same
time I was a Independent spirit who hated having to rely on others if
it was something I could do myself.
For me, my acceptence took less than 48hrs and I never had a pity
party. But even the shrink questioned this (at first) and thought I
was in the denial stage. 10yrs this April 19th and although I might
feel nostalgic for some female companionship from time to time, as a
C5-6 I don't expect to find any.
I've learned that materialism is overated and that their are some
great people who do care, although I'll never "like" having to rely on
others.
Stunt (aka Tim)
On 3/31/06, Ellen Jones <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
Hi, my name is Ellen and I have a quick question that might seem a
little off topic, but I'm curious. Do any of you that became quads
"suddenly" (accident, etc.) think there's a difference between how
you
approach your life and how someone whose acquired their condition
gradually looks at things? I am not a quad myself, but I'm an
undergraduate anthropology student researching the importance of
listservs as sources of support and I'm curious about how people
might
(or might not) consider the ways in which people acquired their
condition... any answer would be great!
take care
