Reclaiming My Life

In a few weeks, it’ll be the marking of five years since being hurt on that horrible day. September 7, 2019 —> September 7, 2024. So much has happened in those five years. A whole book’s worth! 

I remember lying in hospital beds and swearing to myself that I would do anything in my power not to spend the rest of my life that way. I hated being there, the food, not being able to shower or go to the bathroom alone. I couldn’t even feed myself. 

The first step to reclaiming my life was to get out of the hospitals and, after I was home, to do things independently. The initial goal was to get “helpers” out of my shower. Then, to eat on my own.  The first time I “fed” myself I was still at the nursing home, and my aunt turned her back for just a second. I wordlessly grabbed the apple sauce cup off the table and simply drank the rest. But not everything is drinkable! So, I moved on to using a fork, spoon, and knife. I remember I had built-up cutlery with thicker handles, but I didn’t like them. So, I insisted on using regular utensils, which I made work for me. Next, I started cooking and implemented meatless Mondays at my house. I was on my way to becoming me again.

The next milestone was to get a pet. After losing my dog Teddy in 2019, I wanted to get a pet again but knew it was too soon for me, physically and emotionally, to get a dog. I couldn’t even walk independently yet! So, my aunt took me to Petco, and we walked straight to the fish section. Beautifully colored betta fish were everywhere, along with a few other kinds of easy-to-care-for fish. I spotted a blueish-green one I liked the looks of, grabbed the container, walked up to the register, and bought Baxter. I wanted to try out feeding, caring, and keeping another being alive. Unfortunately, fish are not very cuddly and don’t tell you when they are hungry. Baxter was not the ideal pet for me, but he helped me get ready to get my next dog, Pepper, in 2022. 

Another big undertaking was becoming capable enough to live on my own. We lived at my aunt’s house for a few years until I was ready and able to move out. At first, I was in an apartment with a roommate, but now, I live with just Pepper in a studio apartment. Taking care of a whole other creature AND myself is a huge accomplishment. Read my book to find out how I got here. 

After moving out, I had one more big goal in my journey to reclaiming my life. I wanted to finish writing my book and publish it by September 7, 2024. Writing, editing, and publishing an entire book was a lot of work and a huge process. And I did it! All before the fifth anniversary of my accident. I’m ready for the next chapter!