3 years after the injury and a new living situation

This past April 17th marked the 3rd anniversary of my injury – and what a ride it has been. People in this small fraternity of spinal cord injuries (SCI) often call their injury date their 2nd birthday. When I first heard that term, I did not fully understand it, let alone embrace it. Fast forward 3 years, and I get it – this injury leaves you with an entirely different life.

I will be the first to admit that I have not lived up to my end of the deal when it comes to providing updates on my progress. For some reason, I just figured that people would grow tired of it. However, recently, I have discovered that people genuinely are interested in not only my progress, but also what I have to say. Perhaps it’s the fact that my story is real and the struggles that go along with it are as well. As I sit back and reflect, I can see why people would be drawn to my story (and others like mine). In this day in age, it is hard to find things that bring joy and inspiration (I know…). If your social media feed is anything like mine, then you are constantly inundated with politics, pictures of food, and babies and people talking about their daily routines. I’m not here to get on my soapbox, however, I know for me personally, that some of these things don’t really tug at any heart strings. I have been told by numerous people that my story makes people feel something that they can’t typically get from any other source – people love to see others overcome impossible odds. So, in the coming months, I’m going to do my best to bring you insights into my life. Be ready for more of the good, some of the bad and even a little of the ugly.

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I’d like to dedicate this particular post to all of my supporters and followers around the world. For the past 3 years, a lot of you have left me positive words of encouragement and expressed to me how much of an inspiration I am to you. I thank you for both of those. Others of you, have opened up your wallets and provided me with the much-needed funds to tackle this injury with the best physical therapy that I have access to. It is probably human nature that nobody wants to reach out and ask for other people’s hard earned money – I know it is for me at least. The amount of financial support that has poured in over these past 3 years is overwhelming and words cannot express how grateful I am for the continued support – this shit ain’t cheap! Then there are those of you who donate the most valuable thing that any of us have, time. This includes longtime friends, family and people that I have met just in the past 3 years. I know you know who you are, and I thank each and every one of you for being there for me come rain or shine.

And lastly, but certainly not least, I need to thank one particular individual, Lindsy Emerson. For those that may not know, I had been living with Lindsy pretty much since the day I got out of the hospital. She has been there time and time again through all of the ups and all of the downs. I honestly do not think I would be where I am today in regards to my recovery if it was not for her. Sure, we definitely do not see eye-to-eye on certain things, and I know over the years that we both wanted to throw our hands up, but she has stuck by me and continues to do so. I could go on and on with specific examples, from the delicious, healthy food that she makes, to all the driving she has done for me, but all and all I just need to send a heartfelt thank you to you, Lindsy.
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So, with that said, it has come to that point in my recovery that I need a little more Independence and to give Lindsy her life back. Early last month, I moved into a place of my own to start a new journey. A good friend of mine, Anna Christopher, decided to bite the bullet and make the move from Santa Cruz to live with me, as well as help with my care. I look forward to this next chapter in my life. I’m still in the same area of Sacramento and will continue living life without too much disruption. Would love to see your face if you want to check out the new digs (huge thank you to Mike and Gillian Simmons for making this possible).

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I will wrap this post up with one last update. In January, I re-enrolled in college and will be finishing up my Introduction to U.S Government class later this month at American River College (local Community College here in Sacramento). I am loving the class and have been very impressed with all of the accommodations that are available to me given my physical limitations. I am on track to get an A in the class and I’m very much looking forward to taking additional classes in the summer and fall.

That is all for now. I welcome your comments, questions and feedback. Look for more of these to come!

Thank you for your support and for listening,
Lane

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