Typically, when I think of a Sweet 16 celebration, my first thought is of a group of college kids cutting down basketball nets, or girls in pretty, pink dresses celebrating milestone birthdays.
But on this day, Sweet 16 means something different. It’s a culmination of one-third of my life living with a spinal cord injury (just writing that sentence causes me to reflect on what carries more weight: 16 years, or one third of my life). Personally, I’d rather be cutting down the nets, but in some ways think this might be a more crowning achievement.
When I think back about the past 16 years, I’m glad to be where I am. It took an incredible amount of hard work, perseverance, faith, vulnerability, and acceptance to get here. Even if I don’t want to be “here” I’m grateful and lucky that I am.
By all accounts, this past year was one of the toughest, though. Physically, mentally, emotionally, these past 12 months seemed to have tested me more than most of the previous years. Unfortunately, a spinal cord injury is an ailment that only gets harder the longer you live with it. While you may learn to adapt and persevere more than you ever thought possible, it still does not change the fact that there is no abatement from the daily grind. It’s just something you need to endure. Something you need to find a way through.
Yet somehow, you do.
You look back on how far you have come, and it gives you pause to reflect and realize and appreciate that the daunting road ahead can in fact be navigated, just as the seemingly impassable ground you’ve already covered was.
Sometimes, it’s easy to forget how strong we really are.
The challenges will always be there. The frustration, desperation, and feelings of uselessness and hopelessness are a constant companion along for the ride. Sometimes they’re deafening, other times they accompany in silence. But they never truly dissipate. All of us have our Sisyphus moments, no one is immune. Thus I’ve found it’s more beneficial and important to focus on the louder voices – the ones of encouragement, support, celebration, friendship, love, appreciation, and resilience. It’s also more productive.
I read an account from a gentleman who reflected on the 60-year anniversary of his injury. I was moved by what he had to say, and envious of how eloquently he said it. So I want to share his words, because I think it beautifully sums up what so many of us deal with yesterday, today and tomorrow.
”The hardest thing about aging with paralysis — or any disability — is just making it from one day to the next. You never know what is literally around the next corner. People like us wake up each day paralyzed, always paralyzed, no time off. Still having to make unwanted but necessary adaptations to whatever physical or cultural insult comes our way. Still having to deal with so many people who have no idea what it takes for us to keep moving, keep trying, keep smiling.
But after the dust clears at the end of each day and I’m alone in my hospital bed in the safety of my home, with loved ones nearby, I say a prayer of thanks. Sometimes our grit is rewarded. The day’s messiness and disappointment fade in the rearview mirror — and my crippled body and side mirror are still functional, accident tape and all.”
Thank you, Tim.
And more importantly, thank you to all of you, especially my family.
I would not be celebrating today, nor looking forward to tomorrow, without the love, support, generosity, and assistance I have received from everyone.
Sometimes we may repeat certain words so often that we fail to grasp how important they really are and the message they are meant to convey, but they are still worth saying:
Thank you.
Finally, to quote the great Huey Lewis, “All I want from tomorrow is to get it better than today!”
Stand Strong!
Scott
Congratulations for you daily courage.
Happy 4th of July, and God Bless you, Scott. I know what this anniversary means to you. Can I just say, you sure are looking good for a sixteen year old! Your bright smile says it all.
Thanks for the post Scott. I hope “your tomorrow is better than your today.” May God be with today and always!
God bless you Scott. I can’t believe it’s been 16 years. #StandStrong and keep doing great things.
Mike
16 years of strength, faith, and perseverance. Thanks for the powerful reflection, Scott. I’m so glad to know you! And terrific pic – you look great! Peace, love, and Springsteen.
Scott,
I would never have guessed 16 years have passed since your accident. You are most definitely a testament to true perseverance along with your endurance and faith. I for one am extremely grateful that you have maintained these qualities and are an inspiration to us all.
Take care my friend,
You da man, buddy. Always have been…and always will be. Love you.
Happy Sweet 16!
We don’t always know the why, that’s why we call it a mystery. But, much of what you have accomplished these past 16 years has been a blessing to many people as well as for yourself.
Happy July 4th…and every day. 🙂
Scott your words are a gift to every single one of us and I’m so grateful to have you in my life! I love your picture. You look great and so does that shirt. GBU baby!!! God Speed and Happy 4th of July my dear friend!
Scott I think about you so often. We’ve never met in person, but I consider you a dear friend that I care deeply about. I despair when you share your pain and I rejoice when you share your inspiration and victories. I am so glad you are here to write about all of it.
It’s so hard to read this as a mother of another SCI young man whom has also just experienced “Sweet 16.” My son is private and never complains which always causes me to wonder whats really inside. This is a tough read but also an bit of insight to the daily chore. As always, thanks for your wisdom and sharing your story. The Harris’
What an awesome picture! You look so full of abundant life, with joy radiating from your face. It’s hard to fathom when looking at it, all the obstacles you overcome every single day. Echoing so many others, you are an inspiration to me.
Scott,
Your accomplishments are beyond measure…your determination, boundless. Continue to be an inspiration to all who know you and those who will learn of you. Your contributions to a better world for those with disabilities are nothing short of incredible.
Bob
Wow, wow, wow. Inspiring as hell. Yell at me if you hear me complaining about my life. Your perseverance, and that’s what it is, helps me persevere in a world post-Kevin. Thank you for allowing me (ok, and Tom too, lol) in your life. We’ll help each other persevere. Happy 4th of July! ❤️🤍💙
Thank you for the powerful message. Sending our love.
Thank you, Scott, for your inspiration. Great photo!
Scott words well said. You are and always be an inspiration. I came across some pics the other day of when you were in Windsor.
Take care and keep being the inspiring Scott.
Beautifully written. Your voice is very valuable in the world. It is a gift you are with us.
Beautifully written. Your voice is very valuable in the world. It is a gift you are with us.
Awesome post and nice pic, Scott! The perspective your messages bring to my month always blows my mind. You do so much for so many. Thanks for your phenomenal work with Getting Back Up and all the unseen advocacy work you do, and still taking time out to share your motivating influence by blog. The world needs more unstoppable people like you.
Always something inspiring to reflect on
Scott,
You do not know me, but I read your book and I began reading your blog entries about a year after you started writing. Although I don’t know you personally, I know you have an incredible gift of processing thought and putting it into words.
It appears to me that when your body stopped working, your mind & soul kicked into overdrive.
I passed your book along to my brother when I finished it and last year I bought another copy because I want to read it again.
Thanks for all you do.
You’re an amazing person for all that you have gone through ! Prayers
Scott-
You are such a positive inspiration!! After, my convoy was hit by an IED in Iraq, and 3 great Americans were killed (also occurred 16 years ago on Memorial Day) … I asked my Chaplain, why not me (my vehicle was ahead of theirs)?! His response applies to you too … God needs you here, he still has plans for you!! All the best my Friend!!
Mike
You have been on my mind over the last week and today. June came and went so quickly. Thanks for the reminder to set a date.
Be safe.
Love,
Fu