Joan, that is a beautiful story. You are such a kind, gentle person, yet strong as steel. I wish I had just half your strength, patience, and faith. As I get older, I find myself constantly giving in to anger and despair. Your sweet powerful testimony puts me to shame. God bless you, my friend. Larry Sent from my iPad
Begin forwarded message: > Resent-From: [email protected] > From: "Joan Anglin" <[email protected]> > Date: October 14, 2015 at 11:28:22 PM EDT > To: <[email protected]> > Subject: [QUAD-L] 25 years October 15 > > 25 years, a quarter of the century, almost one third of my life. Where did > the time go from that moment when I fell off the scaffolding and tried to > move my arm and realized it did not respond? That was the start of my new > life, and although it is not always a home run, it certainly is not a > strikeout either. > > So many people who have helped me, encouraged me, devised a little something > that made my life better, cuddled me when I needed it, scolded me when I > needed it, and just simply told me to buckle down and get on with life. > Thanks to each and every one and you know who you are. Family, friends, > therapists, doctors, and yes many strangers. > > To every little kid (some of them not so little but just as curious) who > asked me why I was in a wheelchair, how did I drive my chair without my hands > or arms, who offered to help me, I say thank you and bless you that you > accepted me for the person I am, especially the young one who wanted to race > me and when I won told me to get out of my chair and he would drive it and > win! I love you all. > > I appreciate all of the strangers who are so helpful and kind and open doors > for me without my asking, offer to carry my packages out to my car, ask me if > I would like a drink from my cup on my wheelchair, or would I like something > to eat while I am waiting for someone at the food court to pick up our > orders. I don't believe for a minute that the majority of people do not want > to help or look down upon me in the wheelchair. Conversely, I love the > smiles, the how are you doings, and the people who say- isn't it a great day > to be outdoors or shopping or whatever. > > To the very few and far between people who say or imply something such as " > my you really know how to use the wheelchair" I try to smile and reply " you > do really well on your feet also" and make them laugh. They probably will > think twice the next time. > > Being a total C4 quadriplegic was definitely not my game plan for my life, > but honestly things could have been worse and I am looking forward to what > the future holds. I have already outlived by 10 years what they told me at > rehab in 1990, so hopefully the rest will be a piece of cake! Thanks for > letting me celebrate 25 years.
