C4-C5 spinal cord injury sustain in 2016 car accident. Besides working out to build strength to my legs and flexibility with my hands I never thought being able to swing a golf club. In March 2020 before the pandemic lockdown in Florida, my godson and his dad took me to TopGolf for lunch and hit some golf balls. Even though I been playing golf since I was 10 years old, I had reservations picking up a golf club for the first time after my accident and embarrass myself. However, to be able to get to the tee box with a driver in hand, the tears from my eyes couldn’t stop when I was able to hit one down the middle with 185 yard carry and total distance of 200yards.
I have learned that with faith in God, wisdom, and experience, you can conquer anything in life. Doctors say I would never walk, my work was hesitant to let me come back, and at times, I hated what I become- a crippled, disabled quadriplegic.
Accepting those setbacks and believing you can overcome it, the possibilities to return to normal is achievable. Being a realists, there are things I can’t control, and that is time and weather. Setting a time line can be stressful. Setting goals are easier to achieve than setting a firm time to get the job done. Also, I understand that having a 6” rod in my neck, cold weather affects every part of my body. My legs doesn’t cooperate, my hand cramps up, and I lose flexibility in my fingers. These are the things I cannot control and I have learn to accept it.
However, I learned to adapt and adjust what I have been given. It took me 4 months to walk with a cane, 12 weeks to return to full time work, 12 months to take solo trip to Venice, Italy, and 4 years to hit a golf ball.
I shouldn’t bitch and complain. I should continue to challenge myself to get back to what I believe is normal. I hope for those who read this can do the same. I’m just an ordinary man. If I can do it, you can too!!
