Well said Larry. Bobbie Smile Everyday
> On Oct 15, 2015, at 9:38 AM, Bryce Willis <[email protected]> wrote: > > > 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.
