As I sit here 25 weeks pregnant TWENTY years to the day of my spinal cord injury and paralysis, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. (Although, to be honest, I had always intended (Pre-Covid) to be sitting in reflection on an exotic beach rather than in my living room looking at snow.)
Looking back to where I was TWENTY years ago today--those fears that flooded my mind about what my life would be without the use of half of my body have been replaced by memories of the joyful life I have made. It is not surprising though that I started with those fears because, after a life-altering event, one can only live in the moment, taking it minute-by-minute to survive. Now the accumulation of those minute-by-minute actions over two decades has led me to a well-lived life, with far more good than bad, even though not always easy.
I feel so much gratitude for my family. They have been my support and strength through my paralysis journey. They provided me the motivation I needed initially following my spinal cord injury to push forward and today give their unrelenting encouragement that continues to propel me. Now, as a Mom, I experience the most perfect form of love, that knows no disability.
I feel so much gratitude for my friends. They are the people who continued to see Kelley as Kelley after my injury giving me the confidence that I needed to face my new life. They are also the people I have collected following my injury that have provided me with companionship and adventure to live life to the fullest even in a different way.
I feel so much gratitude for the work I do and the job I have. I never really questioned if I would go on to work following my injury. My only limitation has been the confines of my dreams. Regardless of my disability, that is a great situation to have. Now, I get to help people following a spinal cord injury and advocate for people with disabilities. I do not just go to work each day, I fulfill my life's work.
I feel so much gratitude for this body that has navigated me through the last TWENTY years even with half of it being disconnect from my brain's signals. It has allowed me to live an active life by remaining healthy--even if it remains unpredictable. It allows me to fill so many important roles as a Mom, Wife, Lawyer, and Advocate. It is also the conduit for bringing two lives (almost) into the world even with all its brokenness. It has given me the vessel to nurture and love my children through adoption and birth.
And really, that only begins the list of my gratitude. So thank you to every person reading this (and certainly many who are not) for the very important role you have played in the moments that have made up the last TWENTY years. I look ahead knowing there is much love to be shared, experiences to know, work to be done, and always ALWAYS a reason to #keeppushing!
