[monkey]

hello all

I have been reading this site for the last couple of months, and felt it was about time I introduce myself! I am C5/6 complete, done playing rugby, when I was 16 years old. I am now 31, and approaching the age when I will have spent longer in a wheelchair than not.

in that time, I have travelled the world, got drunk, driven my car, got tattooed, hurt myself, not had sex, read a lot, love music, been really really angry, done drugs, tried to hide from God, embraced Him, I am really really lucky, but....and there it is! The but that happened when I was 16 and changed everything. The reality is not going to change. So all that is left is for me to choose to change the way I look at it.

it is only now, as I approach this personal mental marker, with long years of work with a counsellor, a personal faith and a great family, that I feel I am anywhere near the place of acceptance that I need to be!

I have not had much contact with other quadriplegics as a result, no doubt, of the previous issues about acceptance! However I have been greatly moved both to laughter and tears being able to share in other people stories. This has helped me in my journey to understand that my experience may be able to help others and among the many little things one has to hang onto, maybe this can be one of them.

anyway, just a little introduction, and I hope to be a more regular contributor from now on, bearing in mind that I am incorrigibly lazy!

I apologise if this is all a bit garbled but I trust you understand what I'm trying to say!

Mark.

[brackman22]

Welcome aboard Mark. Glad you decided to join us. We all have our personal journies to make in life and none of them are timed. I am turning 40 this june. July 4 will be 18 years in my chair. You said the only thing left is to choose to change how you look at it. The real challenge is to change the way you think about it. Our thoughts control our actions, moods and behaviors.

Again, glad you decided to join us.

BRETT

[Lucydog]

Just to say a big Hello and Welcome! We look forward to reading what you have to say and anything you might add to discussions!

Cheers
L

[Trail-Boss]

Howdy!!!!!
My husband, Trail-Boss, was injured just last year, and we are living life to the fullest. Doctors always tell us, "It is what it is...", Well, we believe, "It is what you make it..." Looking forward to reading your post's.
Later,
Trail-Boss and wife, Stick-Tight

[itsjustme]

Hi Mark,

I'm at the other end of the spectrum. I'm 56 and have only been paralyzed 3 years so it's really such a different perspective from each one of us as we journey life in our chairs. I'm so glad that you've come to share your outlook with us. Welcome!

[gsp23]

Welcome to the forums, I am glad you decided to join. I am a newbie too, 32 yrs old and been in a chair for less than a year so, yep its a full spectrum of people around here. Which give us such a great group dynamic!

[ParaforGod]

Welcome, Im glad you joined and know you will find encouragement here.