“Home Sweet Home.”
Last night was the first time since July 2, 2009, more than 20 months ago, that I didn’t spend the night in either a hospital or nursing home… I am finally in my own place after a very long and appreciative journey! I was discharged about 4 PM on Monday and my “next adventure” began. I also want to give a sincere thanks to the wonderful staff and amazing caregivers at Rae Ann Suburban. They made my stay there manageable and as comfortable as possible. I also developed some great friendships with many of the employees. Thank you Rae Ann!
I slept great last night and don’t anticipate having any problems settling in. I have resumed getting into my chair for limited periods of time each day. I have been advised not to spend my normal 14 hours a day in my chair for fear of developing another pressure sore. There is so much I want to do, but owe it to myself to be smart and not overdo it.
My new pad is very cozy and comfortable. Most everything is in place with a few exceptions that should be addressed over the next day or two. I have new at-home caretakers that I am getting to know and they are learning my routine. There will be some adjustments, but I am very excited to return some more normalcy to my life. However, I still don’t have any coverage from 7 AM to 9 AM every morning due to the way the insurance handles at-home care. Obviously, we are working to address this.
This past week was a busy one for me. In addition to getting everything prepared and in place for the move to the apartment, I was occupied with several other visits and meetings. I have been offered a position on the Board of Directors with LEAP (Linking Employment, Abilities and Potential), a nonprofit organization that works to eliminate environmental and attitudinal barriers in the community. They assist in helping people with disabilities get back to work and assimilated into the community. This is obviously a cause close to my heart and something I am happy to be a part of. I look forward to working with the fine folks at LEAP to help them advance their mission.
Switching gears completely, I have been invited to participate in a music video that is planned to air on MTV Jams. The video will be filmed this Saturday and feature several individuals in wheelchairs. I’m not sure if I’ll be able to make it, but would certainly like to if possible! I might need to practice my “wheelies” and other sweet tricks a few more times… Napoleon Dynamite has got nothing on me!
There is an amazing individual, Aimee Mullins, who is speaking at the Cleveland City Club this Friday. Aimee is a double amputee who is a world record holder in several track and field events. She is also an actress and model for L’Oreal. These days she spends most of her days as a motivational speaker. Her life’s accomplishments read like a litany of incredible feats, one after another. She is another great example of an individual not deterred by a disability. It would be great to see her speak, however, I have some other meetings scheduled for Friday that might not allow me to see her this time around.
My new wheelchair will be delivered next Tuesday. Whoever thought I would get excited about getting a new wheelchair? Just another reminder of the new life I now find myself leading. I still view the wheelchair as a temporary necessity until I can one day return to my feet. I still believe my body will continue to get stronger and recover more function for years to come. I’m not afraid to put in the work needed, but also realize that some things are beyond my control and left up to faith and God’s Will. In the meantime, I truly believe having a healthy outlook on life and positive attitude will help move me along in the right direction.
In closing, it’s been a long 20 months… but also a quick 20 months. I often think back about the shape I was in immediately following the accident and the first few months afterwards. And then I think about how much better I feel today and plan to feel in the future. I still have bad days, but am able to deal with them in a much more positive manner when I recall some of the close calls and uncomfortable days I used to have as a result of this injury. I am proud of how far I have come and excited about how much further I plan to go!
Finally, thank you to my Mom, Dad and Lindsey, Kristy and her parents, Will and Betsy, Matt, Lucy, Eric and Nicole for helping to make my new apartment feel like home! And thank you to all of you for your continued prayers and support!
Scott
Scott,
What a touching post. I am still crying. God has a plan for you.
What wonderful news, can’t tell you how happpy I am for you. I know that you will do well and that you have a great future ahead of you.
God bless and love to you,
Cherry
Im so happy for you!!! Once again you inspire me and my family. You are awesome Scott!!!! 🙂
Scott,
You should be proud! You are amazing. Congratulations on your new home.
Congrats Scott !
“He is the happiest, be he king or peasant, who finds peace in his home”
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe quotes
Inch by inch results in a mile. Keep going, Scott. We all support you. You have to be thrilled to be in your apartment. Do you want to give out your address?
Happy, happy Homecoming to you, Scott!
Can feel the excitement in your writing and picture your smiling face.
Enjoy!
I am thrilled for you and impressed by your ability to make things happen.
Dear Scott,
Congratulations to you from the bottom of my heart. I am soooo happy for you. I’m verklempt . Watch out, World!!! There’s no stoppin’ you now. Hey, I hope you get to do that music video it sounds like a gas.
Jody 🙂 🙂 🙂
We are continually amazed at your progress, your positive outlook and your faith. May your amazing journey be a positive and happy one and your new home be SWEET.
Love Sue, Jenny and Mark. xxx
PS Jenny and Mark are quite grown up these days. They remember you with laughter and talk of the crazy times in the New Forest with Sharon, Hannah, James and not forgetting Gemma the ever wet dog that couldn’t swim.
Good job Scott and congrats. I sound like a broken record, because I always end up saying the same thing, but you are truly an inspiration. Your posts make me feel good – I truly admire your inner strength.
CONGRATULATIONS!!! Welcome Home – I can only imagine how SWEET that truly is for you!!! I hope you LOVE every minute there.
CONGRATULATIONS on your position at LEAP – WOW!!!!
I so look forward to your many new future endeavors.
God’s speed, Scott.
God Bless You,
Bobbi’s Friend
Scott, That is fantastic you are in your own home.
I understand well the hoops and obstacles it takes to make that happen.
Keep off your bottom until that spot looks better.
We wish every good thing for you.
Scott, That is fantastic you are in your own home.
I understand well the hoops and obstacles it takes to make that happen.
Keep off your bottom until that spot looks better.
We wish every good thing for you.
Scott,
You are the MAN!
Congrats on the new crash-pad, the new job (which you will be incredible for), and the MTV gig. Just rememeber, I’ve heard you sing so “Lip Sing.” 🙂
You’ve come a long way my friend and none of this journey could have been accomplished without all of qualities you carry in your personal “Tool Box.”
Love you brother,
RPM
Congratulations Scott! I have a big smile on my face knowing you’re finally home. It’s been a long journey and now that you’re home, things don’t and will not feel the same. Listen to Switchfoot’s “This Is Home”. It’ll touch a chord deep within you and build your faith. I’ll see you some time @ Metro. Lots of patients here will benefit from hearing from you. God Bless
inHim,
edwardo
Hi Scott this is great news.
So do have have space for sleepovers!!!!
X
Congrats Scott!! The new pad, a new member on the Board with LEAP, and a music video too!? I expect all that from you…simply amazing! So happy for you! 🙂 ~ The Kitz Family
Scott,
So happy for your progress and your new move!
Chris
Congratulations on moving into your new pad !!
Sending many good wishes and prayers your way for your new surroundings and your new “lease” on life. With the determination you have shown, you will master many hurdles in the future and your friends will be right there next to you to cheer you on. May God keep His arms around you!
CONGRATS!!!! We’ll be in Cleveland toward the end of August and will be sure to stop by and say hi!!