In one month and one day from now, April 25, will mark the four year anniversary from when I broke my neck. It is the anniversary of the event that has shaped my life more than any other. As I lay in bed last night I reflected on the trials and obstacles that I have overcome, the lessons I have learned, and how far I have come from the hospital bed with all of the wires, tubes, and monitors. I started to feel pretty accomplished and proud when I had a sudden epiphany. If it were not for the support of my family and friends, I would not be as far along as I am.

The AMAZING support started when I was still in my hospital bed. My parents were at my side every spare second they had.  If I needed anything from texting for me or an ice pack, to changing my clothes when I peed my pants, they were there. The comfort I received, and continue to receive from knowing my parents are there to help and support me in anything I do is a blessing worth more than I have the words to describe.

Those same feelings go for my brother and sisters. They could be described as the crew behind the scenes. From helping me prepare a meal to hang out with me when I can’t sleep, I can count on them! It is incredible to have a family that will do anything for me. For example, my nephew dressed up in a shirt and tie to be the waiter/butler for a date of mine. He is so cool, and incredibly thoughtful!

My Friends… There isn’t enough I can say to justify how much I have learned from them, how much they have helped me,  and especially how much they have done to make me feel like I don’t have a disability. Before I was even discharged from the hospital, my friends broke me out and took me to the Clearfield City Fireworks. I was still in a neck brace and wasn’t supposed to leave the hospital grounds. However, with them knowing that I was sick of being in the hospital, they told the nurse that we were “going for a walk,” and took me for my first night out in two and a half months. (This picture was taken right when we got to the park.)

They would help me set up double dates in the hospital, drag me and my wheelchair along camping, or pull me up countless flights of stairs to hang out with friends. For example, they helped me down the stairs at The Pie, in salt lake. Regardless of the obstacle, they are all willing to do whatever it takes to overcome them, bring me along, and keep me part of the crew.

There have been people who’ve told me that I won’t recover from my accident. There have been those who’ve told me that the previous hand cycle record holders have more working muscles than I do, and I won’t be able to finish.  Unfortunately those aren’t the only situations where I have been told that I can’t do something. I’ve been told I’ll never walk again, or that I’ll never drive, or that I’ll never bla bla bla. Because of the amazing support of my family and friends, bla bla bla is all I hear when someone tells me “you can’t.” The people that truly matter have always supported me in every way. They push me when I’m slacking, and help me when I’m in need.  There are countless stories where my friends and family have helped me feel liberated. Liberated to where I completely forgot that I am in a wheelchair. They are the foundation of who I am, the strength to help me overcome adversity, and the wings that will take me to where I want to go.

If it weren’t for the support that I receive I would not be able to complete my goal of riding my hand cycle from Idaho Falls, to Huntington Beach. Even more importantly I would not be able to raise money for those people in wheelchairs who can’t afford therapy or spinal cord injury awareness. I do not possess the words to describe the joy and happiness they have brought me. I am incredibly thankful, and extremely blessed to have them in my life.