I just had my 8 year anniversary. Some days it feels like forever, others
not so much. After all, I spent 45 years as a walking person so in view of
that, it hasn't been long for me. I do catch myself wishing for it to all go
away and for my life to get back to "normal," usually on days where my pain
level escalates.

Not trying to be a Pollyanna here, but I can truthfully say that since my
injury, so many wonderful, nurturing friends have come into my life, and I
have been able to explore areas I would not have had time for in my former
life, particularly artistic pursuits. I took art classes at the nearby
community college, and at age 50, discovered that I CAN draw. Amazing. I'm
also involved in writing songs and singing in a band with my husband.

If you can possibly use this experience to allow new aspects of your life to
unfold, life can take on a renewed vibrancy.

I have also had the opportunity to peer counsel some fellow SCI women in the
last few years, and have found the experience very fulfilling.

SCI has given us an opportunity to reassess our lives. Change can do that.
Even though I still have many pain-filled days, I feel like I am living a
more directed life now.

Sorry to get all philosophical on you. It's also very important to retain a
sense of humor. Whenever I am with my wheelchair-using friends (I have five
now), we joke about the crazy stuff we have to endure as paralyzed folk.
Like I said, it helps to reach out and connect with others in our same
situation.

As simple as it sounds, I have one trick that really gets me through the
hard times. I just tell myself that yes, I'm having a hard day, but tomorrow
will be better. And it almost always is. Before dismissing this out of hand,
try it a few times. You may be surprised. The reason it works for me is that
I have good days to reflect on. I'm sure you do, too. Whatever gets you
through...

Anne

On 1/29/04 10:13 AM, "Morrigan" <twisted_ophelia@...> wrote:

> Well I thought i'd say hi too. My name is Morrigan, I'm 23 and today is
> actually the 6 year anniversary of my accident. I'm t7-11 and really not doing
> so great at this moment because of today being the big day. It doesnt feel
> like 6 years and yet it feels like forever! Does anyone else know what i mean?
> Anyway, I hope you all are well and take care,
> morrigan
>
> womenwithsci@yahoogroups.com wrote:
> Message: 1
> Date: Wed, 28 Jan 2004 08:49:09 -0800
> From: Anne Bostwick
> Subject: Re: Re: Hi to everyone
>
> Hi, Lucy
> I am 53, also L1 incomplete, since Jan 96. Itıs good to make connections
> with other women, since we are a minority in the SCI community. Feel free to
> ask questions. You can post to me privately also.
>
> Life, indeed, does get better. You will find that new doors will open for
> you that you never expected to. Your life will take on new directions to
> compensate for the interrupted path SCI creates. Just remain as open to
> change as you can possibly be. You never know what waits around the corner.
> Anne
>
> On 1/27/04 5:35 PM, "Denise" wrote:
>
>> Hi Lucy
>> Welcome to the group. I am a March 98 L-1 incomplete The first year
>> for me was tough. Life gets better. Hope to talk with you soon
>>
>> Denise-
>>
>>
>>
>> In womenwithsci@yahoogroups.com, lucyw1966 wrote:
>>>> Hello to everyone, Im Lucy. I now live in the UK and I'm 37 years
>> old.
>>>> I was injured in a car crash March 03 and Im T2 complete. Still
>> very
>>>> much adjusting since injury and hope the experience of others here
>>>> may go a little way to helping me live a little more independently.
>>>>
>>>> Looking forward to talking to others here and hope to find some
>>>> helpfull advice and support from posts.
>>>>
>>>> Many thanks,
>>>> Lucy
>>
>>
>>
>> Yahoo! Groups Links
>> * To visit your group on the web, go to:
>> * http://groups.yahoo.com/group/womenwithsci/
>> *
>> * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
>> * womenwithsci-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>>
>> *
>> * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service
>> .
>>
>
>
> anne@...
> http://fey.cc
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
> ________________________________________________________________________
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anne@...
http://fey.cc