Spinal Cord Injury: My Life Beyond the Outhouse: The First Two Years

I can hear the sirens, but where is the ambulance? Just how strong didI think I was? I cannot feel my legs, but I am too scared to look andsee if they can move. Pete is kneeling at my right side holding my handand reassuring me that I will walk again. Heather and Jessie are at myleft side holding my other hand. Mandy is inside the house tooterrified to face what had just happened. My head is spinning inconfusion. My completed manuscript titled "Spinal Cord Injury: My LifeBeyond the Outhouse" tells about a fateful autumn morning that wouldchange my life forever. It all started with journal entries I wrote when I was feeling sad ordiscouraged. Documenting my emotions seemed to help. The more I wrote,the easier it became to cope with the daily struggles and the easier itwas to talk about. I then thought maybe I could make things easier forothers by sharing what I've learned through my own experiences.I have been a medical secretary for five years and am currently workingfull time. I am a first time author who has spent over two yearsputting into words my journey as a paraplegic. The general guidelinefor a spinal cord injury is that the first two years are the mostcrucial for recovery; after two years the chances of recovery are muchlower. This is why I chose to focus on this timeframe for the book. Imyself did not regain any significant function, but I still hold on tothe hopes that there is something promising in the future and that thebody never stops trying to heal itself. In the meantime, I will live mylife to the fullest of my ability and share what I can to help others.