“Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place. If I quit, however, it lasts forever.”
Lance Armstrong
A few years ago I slipped in the shower and needed back surgery that left me a paraplegic. As bad as that sounds I found out I’m one of a lucky few. My SCI (Spinal Cord Injury) is incomplete and maybe with the grace of God and hard work I may walk again. I have my moments and in the privacy, away from my son and people, in my own room I can break down cry and curse the world around me. I stay in pain and feel as if I can’t think straight when I take the meds to keep my body limber and capable of movement, but I continue on knowing something better will come along.
I found as much as you try not to, you can become wrapped up into your own world and forget there are those just outside in your life that need attention as well. I found out during one of my “Whoa is me” moments that my sister had cancer. As I sat in my chair getting around she had lost her hair to chemo. Her legs were weak which kept her from working, yet she continued to move forward in faith and in personal strength. Our mother told us time after time we were made from strong stock and can rise above any and all obstacles. I guess she was right in consideration we refused to stay down. I stood and tried to walk and she put on her scarf and hats and created a new stylish look.
The world can try its best but we will rise and conquer or die trying. Even in the end when she left no one could say she gave up, they will say she fought to the very end. Though I don’t talk to my family as much as I should, however, I do know they will be there for me doing what needs to be done and same goes for me to them. Pain is a state of mind, and this too shall pass, we make our happiness or sadness. I choose happiness, I choose to enjoy my family, to hold my son tight, and watch him grow. I choose to be there for as long as God will allow.
I found as much as you try not to, you can become wrapped up into your own world and forget there are those just outside in your life that need attention as well. I found out during one of my “Whoa is me” moments that my sister had cancer. As I sat in my chair getting around she had lost her hair to chemo. Her legs were weak which kept her from working, yet she continued to move forward in faith and in personal strength. Our mother told us time after time we were made from strong stock and can rise above any and all obstacles. I guess she was right in consideration we refused to stay down. I stood and tried to walk and she put on her scarf and hats and created a new stylish look.
The world can try its best but we will rise and conquer or die trying. Even in the end when she left no one could say she gave up, they will say she fought to the very end. Though I don’t talk to my family as much as I should, however, I do know they will be there for me doing what needs to be done and same goes for me to them. Pain is a state of mind, and this too shall pass, we make our happiness or sadness. I choose happiness, I choose to enjoy my family, to hold my son tight, and watch him grow. I choose to be there for as long as God will allow.
I choose not to give up.
By
Sidney Tucker
