Purpose In Life
#1
Posted 04 May 2010 - 04:47 AM
Richie aka Motor
"NEVER 4GET 9/11/01 THEY ARE GONE BUT NOT 4GOTTEN"
"I MUST CRAWL BEFORE I WALK (AGAIN)"
"LIVE EACH DAY LIKE ITS YOUR LAST"
"RIDE IT LIKE U STOLE IT"
Richie aka MOTOR :-)
#3
Posted 04 May 2010 - 10:39 PM
Some reading for you http://rkb6.wordpres...d-britons-walk/
Ratticis
I know some who can spend every waking moment tormenting themselves with walking again, some are not able to accept the cards they have been dealt.
Christopher Reeves is a good example.
It gives Richie a reason to get out of bed in the morning.
Some think the be all and end all is to put the left leg in front of the other, yes we would all like to do so but reality does not make it so for most and we just got to get on with it.
To define one's self is unique to us all. Richie just needs more time to get his head around it and realize there is more to life.
In saying that, Christ I would give everything to walk but I know it is and will not be possible so I make the most of what I can do.
Regards
John
#4
Posted 04 May 2010 - 11:13 PM
"Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness."
"If a man hasn't discovered something that he will die for, he isn't fit to live."
"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy"
Its not for everyone motor i believe i will walk again just like you will.
#5
Posted 04 May 2010 - 11:27 PM
His post wasn't to slight those of us who aren't as "lucky" as he,, but to make a statement of his own intent and avowed purpose. I wish him well and hope he reaches the point of recovery that satisfies him,, whatever that point may be.
I also hope that he takes the time along the way to "stop and smell the roses". One should, I think, practice moderation even in fervor.
ed
#6
Posted 05 May 2010 - 01:09 AM
#7
Posted 05 May 2010 - 01:49 AM
Wheelsonfire, on May 4 2010, 03:39 PM, said:
Some reading for you http://rkb6.wordpres...d-britons-walk/
Ratticis
I know some who can spend every waking moment tormenting themselves with walking again, some are not able to accept the cards they have been dealt.
Christopher Reeves is a good example.
It gives Richie a reason to get out of bed in the morning.
Some think the be all and end all is to put the left leg in front of the other, yes we would all like to do so but reality does not make it so for most and we just got to get on with it.
To define one's self is unique to us all. Richie just needs more time to get his head around it and realize there is more to life.
In saying that, Christ I would give everything to walk but I know it is and will not be possible so I make the most of what I can do.
Regards
John
To each his or her own, what is of most import is to be happy within, no one else's idea of what we should or shouldn't do or be, matters one bit.
And Richie, give it all you got my brother, walk and we will rejoice
Edited by StillFingers, 05 May 2010 - 01:54 AM.
Shooting With Still Fingers - http://shootingwiths...s.blogspot.com/
#8
Posted 05 May 2010 - 02:00 AM
StillFingers, on May 5 2010, 02:49 AM, said:
Wheelsonfire, on May 4 2010, 03:39 PM, said:
Some reading for you http://rkb6.wordpres...d-britons-walk/
Ratticis
I know some who can spend every waking moment tormenting themselves with walking again, some are not able to accept the cards they have been dealt.
Christopher Reeves is a good example.
It gives Richie a reason to get out of bed in the morning.
Some think the be all and end all is to put the left leg in front of the other, yes we would all like to do so but reality does not make it so for most and we just got to get on with it.
To define one's self is unique to us all. Richie just needs more time to get his head around it and realize there is more to life.
In saying that, Christ I would give everything to walk but I know it is and will not be possible so I make the most of what I can do.
Regards
John
To each his or her own, what is of most import is to be happy within, no one else's idea of what we should or shouldn't do or be, matters one bit.
And Richie, give it all you got my brother, walk and we will rejoice
Jerry we are starting to think alike.
I know if I was incomplete enough I would have my own bed in the physio department and I would sleep only from exhaustion.
The link I left for Richie, I remember watching the documentary some years back and this Russian is something to behold, no doubt if you google him you will find more info.
And Richie, may you work your ass off and most importantly get the balls to finish them inner sleeve of tats
Regards
John
#9
Posted 05 May 2010 - 03:41 AM
...but I also have that nagging feeling that Chris Reeve did more to keep us gimps as second class citizens by that constant fight "for a cure," to walk again, as if we are not complete human beings without our full bodies, without WALKING...sure Chris brought a lot of dollars and spotlight to us, but only in terms of a "cure" and not in true acceptability AS WE ARE NOW...I truly hope that someday there will be a "cure" but in the meantime, I know my self, know limitations, though I do push myself, walking is just not in the cards for me (at this time, probably not this Lifetime)...besides, my "quad belly" is so large now, I'd probably topple right over...
Beverly
"A wild patience has taken me this far..."
#10
Posted 05 May 2010 - 03:53 AM
Good luck to you and those who are working to walk again. I know this can be a point of contention. Everyone has their own ideas based on experience, level of injury, and general feelings toward the subject of walking as it relates to individual lifestyle and beliefs. I am an incomplete that has regained the ability to walk. I was lucky to be in the best shape of my life right before my injury, and I understand that had a lot to do with my recovery. Walking again was hard. And 2.5 years out it is still uneasy. There are falls, twisted ankles, pretty sure I have a damaged ligament in my knee. I've fallen down steps. Fell while carrying my two year old the other day (he was scared, but uninjured). I do pretty well, then it's like I got shot by a sniper and gravity becomes the enemy. This may receive a lot of flack, but there have been moments where I wish I could be in a chair. These are down and selfish moments, I know (no offense to those in chairs...we can't put disclaimers on everything, but I'm still learning my way through these types of communications, and really don't want to offend anyone). My legs hurt, they spasm, the get week, they are a foundation of sand, and I can't run anymore (woe is me, right??). For those who are learning how to walk again, maintain the positive attitude. Work as hard as you can. Have a clear understanding of your goals and of the process to reach them. Express those goals/plans to anyone assisting you with your rehab. Then, have an honest to God talk with yourself. I have not heard of anyone who has regained everything. There always seems to be some deficits, be they physical, proprioception, or neuro pain, spasms, etc. In your journey, as in mine, there may be a time of extreme frustration despite tremendous gains. You may feel bad about not reaching a goal of perfection (I always thought that "recovering" meant totally normal...it rarely does with SCI), then you may feel badly about not feeling thankful for all you've gained. An incomplete injury can leave you feeling stuck, and incomplete. At some point, you may need to come to terms with the inevitable "permanent damage". This is in no way saying to give up on progress, but it is very important to be realistic about lifestyle changes you may need to consider in order to live with your SCI and prevent further injury. This is not admission of defeat, but a preparation and execution of a larger plan to live to your fullest with all that you have recovered, and without all that you haven't. Keep pushing and I am happy to share my experience and advice on what I did to regain function and maintain strength. It seems my legs have actually gotten worse over the last 6 months, but I'm trying to develop strategies to help mitigate the regression.
I'd be interested in maybe starting a thread discussing those who have recovered the ability to walk and the activities done to help maintain or improve function over time. It seems to be a constant, life long rehab experience after the neuro gains are maxed out.
#11
Posted 05 May 2010 - 03:22 PM
Wheelsonfire, on May 4 2010, 09:00 PM, said:
Ferguson Clan Motto: Dulcius Ex Asperis (Sweeter after difficulties)
#12
Posted 05 May 2010 - 06:15 PM

#13
Posted 05 May 2010 - 06:26 PM
edlee, on May 4 2010, 04:27 PM, said:
His post wasn't to slight those of us who aren't as "lucky" as he,, but to make a statement of his own intent and avowed purpose. I wish him well and hope he reaches the point of recovery that satisfies him,, whatever that point may be.
I also hope that he takes the time along the way to "stop and smell the roses". One should, I think, practice moderation even in fervor.
ed
Well said. You saved me a few minutes.
#14
Posted 05 May 2010 - 06:33 PM
I focus on where I can have an impact like my wife, son, family, students, community etc.
Some may "walk" some may not. It all has to do with how your spine was injured-treated-healed. Extra PT will most likely not heal an injured spine.
I admire your determination! Show us video when you "walk"
Hurb
"Being is not enough, we must do; knowing is not enough, we must apply"
L. DaVinci
www.mastercraftwoodproducts.i8.com - pre-accident
#15
Posted 05 May 2010 - 06:41 PM
Ratticis, on May 5 2010, 07:15 PM, said:
Jeez Ratticis
I gave up after the first time me legs paid no attention to me, although I can now move toes on the left, toes on the right and all the consultant said was ah sure your incomplete.
No point in tippy toeing around things all the same.
Chris Reeves, as far as I am concerned he done F#%K all for SCI, he was surrounded by "YES" men, spent his life in the chair looking to get out of it, he couldn't have given a fiddlers about SCI prior to his injury.
And do you know what.......neither did you or I prior to our injury....He done what he could to get himself out of it, he used his contacts to try and get doors open, heck that TOOL the Americans had as a "leader"using the term lightly put a stop to research due to his religious beliefs so ole Supergimp had to venture to Israel to check on Stem cell research.
Motor has some bit of a chance, he might not get far but at least he is giving it his all and he should be commended for it. And this is some light entertainment for the Bush fans
#16
Posted 05 May 2010 - 07:05 PM
Motor, on May 4 2010, 04:47 AM, said:
Richie aka Motor
Richie.....
I'm a T6 incomplete as you, though from the looks of it, I'm ahead of you a little bit, or should I say I didn't lose as much as you did.
I can ambulate with crutches into restaurants, the office, convenience store, physical therapy, etc., but any further than that and I'm digging out the chair.
I can walk in/out of the house by hanging onto walls, cars, etc.
As Winston Churchill said.....Never Never Never Give Up.
My youngest daughter found a little ceramic plaque with that saying on it at Walmart and gave it to me for my birthday last summer.
It hangs on the side of a kitchen cabinet and is the first thing I see when I come out of the bedroom in the morning and take that first step down the stairs into the kitchen/great room.
I also have another saying I "borrowed" off of an ALS (Lou Gerhig's Disease) website that someone else posted and use it as my tagline.
"Adversity doesn't build character.....it reveals it"
Your determination illustrates that saying.
I've reconciled that I may be years before I'm able to walk "normally" again, if ever, but I'm not going to just do physical therapy and wait for that day to live life.
I'm going to start to handcycle in a couple of weeks, look forward to buying a racing chair, and maybe by next summer start racing again, maybe even do a sprint triathalon.
Your determination isn't just for you btw......it's for everyone you run into in your every day life.
My wife frequently makes the comment that "people look at you and watch you constantly", and when I talk of racing again, she says "you'll be the spectacle that they all want to watch".
In which I reply......I hope so.
Keep on walking man.
#17
Posted 05 May 2010 - 07:19 PM
As for Chris Reeves, he and his family/friends had the resources to try and fix him, they have helped further SCI research, have put together several organizations that assist many of us cripples everyday. Each of us as we learn and live through/with this difficult life style contribute, so grow the
Edited by StillFingers, 05 May 2010 - 07:49 PM.
Shooting With Still Fingers - http://shootingwiths...s.blogspot.com/
#18
Posted 05 May 2010 - 08:08 PM
StillFingers, on May 5 2010, 02:19 PM, said:
As for Chris Reeves, he and his family/friends had the resources to try and fix him, they have helped further SCI research, have put together several organizations that assist many of us cripples everyday. Each of us as we learn and live through/with this difficult life style contribute, so grow the
THANK YOU!!!!
#19
Posted 05 May 2010 - 08:53 PM
StillFingers, on May 5 2010, 08:19 PM, said:
As for Chris Reeves, he and his family/friends had the resources to try and fix him, they have helped further SCI research, have put together several organizations that assist many of us cripples everyday. Each of us as we learn and live through/with this difficult life style contribute, so grow the
Jerry
I have to disagree with you on this one some bit.
I agree that we all deal with our own SCI in our own way, Motor in my opinion must be commended for giving it his all and may he reap the rewards no matter how much he gains back, he is working his ass off and at the end of the day it is his time that he is using, he is mentally strong and this is needed and he should ignore all that are putting him down and use every ounce of strength to better himself.
Chris reeves was surrounded by "yes men" spending hours and hours of his day trying to regain the ability to walk, this was NOT possible as his injury was too severe. As to helping further research, as I said he used his contacts to try to open doors but had to venture outside of America to seek stem cell possibilities, Obama must be commended for lifting the ban that Bush set down because of his Christian beliefs.
There are organizations popping up worldwide to resolve SCI, unfortunately in my opinion there is not enough been done as this is a life altering affliction and not a life threatening one(depending on the level of course).
To the best of my knowledge Boston was always the top in SCI research, this was something that I was aware of even in 92..........Organizations in my opinion are TAX rite offs, yes awareness is important and Chris brought SCI to the attention of many due to his accomplishments within his carer as an actor, this is more noticeable on your side of the pond.....here.....Christ we have a disability act that is needs based rather than rights based.
Sorry for pissing you off.
Regards
John
#20
Posted 05 May 2010 - 09:10 PM
Yes men, so what, due to his pushing HIS own limits he did get some return back, even minor return would be a bonus in my book and bashing CR for "Yes men", well thats no different in tone then Ratti's comment toward Richie. Neither CR in his time or Richie now, are doing anyone any harm, they're just following their hearts and not giving up hope; whatever flavor of hope THEY choose. We each hope for something, why begrudge us that pleasure/right...I just don't understand that need!
Edited by StillFingers, 05 May 2010 - 09:29 PM.
Shooting With Still Fingers - http://shootingwiths...s.blogspot.com/
#21
Posted 05 May 2010 - 09:30 PM
I heart Christopher Reeve -- he did what he had to do to get the attention that was much needed. He worked hard at everything he did and I for one will be forever grateful. (Being the same level as he was) his motivation for WHATEVER his goal was gave me the motivation to do so myself.
My life purpose has changed over the years, like any human beings would, but I still hold onto hope
#24
Posted 06 May 2010 - 12:43 AM
Texas Angel Ang, on May 5 2010, 09:30 PM, said:
My life purpose has changed over the years, like any human beings would...
Angel, Jerry et al,
I also have been known to indulge in CR bashing in my idle moments, and the reason is reflected in the quote above.
You see, unlike Angel, Chris Reeves life purpose has not changed over the years, because Chris no longer has a life to have a purpose in. And one is, I think, entitled to ponder upon the reasons and the meanings of that fact.
My own scale of admiration regarding gimp role models, involves the dual parameters of length and quality of life.
In other words, does an SCI acheive a sufficient positive feeling about himself (as an SCI) to permit him to accept life and even eventually to thrive?
And on this scale, CR has a very low score. CR was surrounded with the best care that money can buy, and his early demise has no explanation, unless we factor in a simple lack of will to survive as an SCI.
Now I am willing to comiserate and sympathize. Afterall, there but for the grace of God go you or I my brothers, but, the fact remains, that if I am going to hold up an example of ideal SCI fortitude and relevance, I would rather point to any one of the good folks whom I am acquainted with here who are brave enough, not merely to work for a cure, but to survive WITHOUT one.
And to the extent that CR infected a generation of AB's (but luckily popular memory is so incredibly short these days that nobody under twenty five or so has any idea who CR was..) infected with the idea that ideal gimp behavior involves a self-destructive obsession with normality, then I don't think that I, who am equally studious in schooling myself to survive in an ABNORMAL mode, have anything to thank the man for.
Best Regards,
Gordon
#25
Posted 06 May 2010 - 01:14 AM
gordonr, on May 5 2010, 08:43 PM, said:
And to the extent that CR infected a generation of AB's (but luckily popular memory is so incredibly short these days that nobody under twenty five or so has any idea who CR was..) infected with the idea that ideal gimp behavior involves a self-destructive obsession with normality, then I don't think that I, who am equally studious in schooling myself to survive in an ABNORMAL mode, have anything to thank the man for.
Best Regards,
Gordon
Tetracyclone, on May 5 2010, 08:25 PM, said:
There are lots of areas of the world where people would be amazed at our need for a purpose in life. Many are happy to simply survive another day.
Beverly
"A wild patience has taken me this far..."
#26
Posted 06 May 2010 - 02:10 AM
Your length addition is puzzling. So I could SCI myself, be an inspiration to millions for years because I'll never surrender living life to it's fullest, then die suddenly, for whatever reason, and my contribution to this cripple cause is lessoned because I didn't out last another?
You jest...as do I
Thanks for CR's contribution or non-contribution has nothing to do with my point and is probably best debated in another thread..
Judgement of another's intent to live their life as they see fit is my issue.
We all judge, but unless we are knowing of the oft hidden details, choices made by another, this act we so delight in is but folly, fluff and speculation; uninformed opinion, full of partial truths at best and is no less ugly and in my opinion, no less useless, than the oft vile and mis-directional nature of the banter that escapes from our politico's mouths.
This is just ugliness, why is it so necessary to chop each other down...do we enjoy it that much, as we might a beautiful sunrise or sunset?
There are lingering questions as to CR's care, truths we will never know. And perhaps he may not have wanted to live with SCI for the remainder of his life, but that would be HIS choice. There are many who find this SCI life impossible and many who find it a challenge and live life to its fullest. If CR inspired even one person by having such a public, exposed SCI life, then he did well... There are many aspects of CR's life that add to the SCI debate, both sides can be acknowledged; life or no life, this SCI lived life, that in itself is why we so passionately speak of, ponder CR. And in this light, he did contribute; fed the fires for debate.
This thread was started as a celebration of a brother finding his purpose in life, to eventually walk, what a wonderful goal, something I would guess we would all like to do and hope someday all will if at all possible, despite the unlikeliness for many
Regards,
Jerry
Edited by StillFingers, 06 May 2010 - 02:23 AM.
Shooting With Still Fingers - http://shootingwiths...s.blogspot.com/
#27
Posted 06 May 2010 - 02:27 AM
Apologies, I’m up to my tits in litigation.
Jerry, yes we do our best with this dance and we each deal with it in our own way, Christopher Reeves was NOT able to accept his position after injury, in my opinion, his fame brought SCI to the attention of those with DEEP pockets.
I am and never have been preoccupied by his delusions of walking again.
Over time we ALL regain certain feelings/movement, it may be slight but nonetheless a little of something is better than nothing at all.
Am I to believe that because he jumped on the band wagon to make people aware of SCI that the cure would have been found now because a celeb broke his neck?
Is he to be held in martyrdom because he was seen in public with the "BIG BOYS"? Is he to be held in high regard because his friends trod all over the red carpet? He has never been anything special. Even as a quad he didn’t “stand out” from the crowd.
In relation to my terminology “YES MEN” by this I mean, those who reduced his bank balance and fed him the BS he wanted to hear rather than telling him “ Shit Christopher, your nothing special, suck it up like the rest have to do and get on with it”
My comments differ from Ratti’s, Motor obviously has something going for him, $ don’t enter the equation, blood, sweat and tears on the other hand do and I wish him the best of luck in his quest.
I remember about a month before I left the rehab, Chris De Burg’s wife had a horse riding accident, she broke her neck, incomplete injury.
This is what pissed the f#*k out of me with these SO CALLED CELEBS.
In ICU, you were not allowed flowers in the unit, you were not allowed a mobile phone(cell phone on your side of the pond), when needing help, whichever porter was on hand at the time was who you got to help you.
NOW, this shit changed when it came to Diane, she had flowers all over the place, she had 2 mobile phones, when she beckoned for assistance it HAD to be a FEMALE nurse to cater to her every whim, no MALE porter was to go near her to make sure HER modesty was kept intact.
Oh yes, she walked out of there due to only having spinal shock, and guess what?
Both Diane and Chris De Burg are now patrons of the spinal cord injury Ireland, and again it is all TAX RITE OFFS. The only good thing is their daughter Rosanne(miss world) who is one major hottie and I’m sorry to say Angel she would give your beauty a run for its money.
I in no way begrudge anyone, each to their own, but lets be realistic here, he was just as human as you or I and was in no way special.
The premise of this thread started out with a positive note from Richie, then it all went pear shaped from there.
Angel, honey dearest, I'm afraid Jerry has taken the brunt of my disagreement and I'm sorry Jerry, it's been over a month of legal litigation and I've been running on about 3 hours sleep each night, 3.30AM and I'm still not finished and the gym awaits at 7AM.
http://www.whitehous...ial-memorandum/
http://edition.cnn.c...ells/index.html
And now for some Irish politicians
Edited by Wheelsonfire, 06 May 2010 - 02:30 AM.
#28
Posted 06 May 2010 - 02:58 AM
CR special, in no way...other than he was indeed a human being, just like us, struggling with SCI.
The ugliness of wealth and it's many comforts/excesses are everywhere and it's most difficult to see that measure when so many, the greater percentage of us, can not avail ourselves of such luxury. But, might I point out, it is our own hunger for entertainment, stuff, that supports their luxury; a vicious circle lived throughout time, with no end in sight.
As for your tone, this is debate, a healthy one at that. I harbor no ill toward others, just share my opinions, knowing fully that I am oft ill informed or informed not at all.
Whie playing a game of cards, we may not know what's in each other's hands, we would rail our opinions back and forth heating the debate, not knowing the retort, sharing a drink or two or three or...as we laugh, enjoy the encounter to the fullest, smile, and look forward to the next round
Cheers brother!
Jerry
Shooting With Still Fingers - http://shootingwiths...s.blogspot.com/
#29
Posted 06 May 2010 - 03:12 AM
I hated going out into public places... he went on Oprah
I witnessed a lot of people go through whatever process they choose to in order to make themselves "feel" better... i.e. stem cell research/surgeries only to come up with wasting a lot of money. Should someone had told CR to give up?? Possibly. Would he have listened?? Doubtful. We will never know.
Like I said previously...my life purpose Has changed and hopefully will continue to change in the upcoming years.
Keep on going Richie!!
PS John I don't know who this chick is that as hotter than me but I don't believe it
#30
Posted 06 May 2010 - 03:24 AM
Like a child who portrays crankiness due to lack of sleep I can be flippant at times due to my busy schedule, my near addiction to this forum borders compulsion to login to enter debate, as discussed in another thread my preference is to elaborate when needed, I think it healthy for a thread to evolve, off topic? maybe so but it allows the thread to flourish irregardless.
Believe it or not (I'm walking on air) sorry I'm getting somewhat delirious
Seriously, I do not argue, even if I am in a relationship I do not raise my voice,my preference is to sit down like adults and discuss the issue at hand, iron out any misgivings one may have (maybe it's the reason I have been single for 12 out of the last 18 years).
I enjoy discussion, and as we know, clarification can only come about within discussion.
Money makes the world go round, but it is not the be all and end all, yes I am financially secure but this does not automatically give me the right to be an ass.
I enjoy our interactions irrelevant as to whether it is off topic or not
Kindest regards
John
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