One year and one day ago my life was flipped upside down. I can’t, nor do I want to try, to explain all the feelings and thoughts that have gone and continue to go through my mind. I understand there are individuals less fortunate than myself, but nobody should have to go through what I’m going through. I miss everything in life that that I took for granted every single day. I wish so badly that I could do some things that I hear people complain about every day. It’s aggravating. Be appreciative of everything you have in your life. If you’re not happy, do something about it. Don’t settle – you’ll regret it. I do. Go out of your way to help somebody in need. Hold the door for someone who is obviously disabled. Don’t look at somebody and assume you know everything about their life and situation by the looks of them. Give everybody that benefit of the doubt and let them prove you wrong. What do you have to lose? You might end up having someone really surprise you. Life isn’t always what it seems and you can never be too sure what’s around the next corner, but isn’t that exciting? Unfortunately what was around my next corner, this time last year, wasn’t so great. I have a long way to go, that’s for sure, but I’ve also come a long way, which I easily and frequently forget. I guess just because I’m not walking, yet. I’m not afraid to admit I’m a pessimist, but lately something’s been telling me deep inside that I will be walking by this time next year, if not sooner. Call me crazy. Maybe August 19, 2011 will come and pass and I will still be in this chair. If that happens, then I guess we’ll just have to shoot for August 19, 2012. I’m not going to give up because I WILL walk again one day. I don’t care what the odds are, I’m going to beat them because I’ll be damned if I’m going to spend the rest of my life looking up at everybody and vice versa. I truly thank every single person that has helped me along the way this past year from the bottom of my heart. The stress and anxiety that I’ve placed on my family is enough to break any one down, but they’ve stood next to me the entire time, without wavering. My friends travel hundreds of miles to see me, frequently, which I cannot even begin to put into words. I just hope they know that if the roles were reversed, I’d be by their side in a heartbeat. To all of those people that I’ve never met, that have continuously helped my family and I but cooking dinners, donating money and time out of their busy lives – you are MY heroes. Our lives would be hell without you. I just have to say thank you again to my entire family. I love you all so much and appreciate what you sacrifice for me. And how could I forget, Leslie Davison . What an amazing woman. She does everything for me, without question and never asks for thing in return. She is a sweetheart, my angel and my love. Thank you for all that you do! You are truly irreplaceable. Everyone in my life is, so thanks again and here’s to another year! Please keep praying for me. I need all I can get!
Aaron,
So insightful and humbling. I’ve been thinking a lot about you, especially since your “anniversary” even though i’m not always great about getting on my computer to check in. Hope to see you in the next week or two (19th or 25th hopefully). Love, Aunt Missy
Aaron, Thank you for opening your heart and sharing your feelings with us. I hope you know that they truly have changed people’s lives. You have taught us to truly appreciate life and to be especially grateful for loved ones and all the every day things that we all take for granted every day. It truly breaks my heart to think of what you go through everday, physically and emotionally. I have compassion and understanding, but because i’ve never been there, I will never know. I continue to pray for you and have faith that God will heal you. You have shown such strength and perserverance that it has amazed all of us. You have set an example that even though life is tough, we can be tougher. I am so proud that you have not given up. I am so glad to hear the conviction in your voice when you said, “I will not spend the rest of my life looking up”. I love you for that. A year has gone by, but you are right, you have August 19, 2011 to look forward to and I know that you will have all of your loved ones and friends along side of you. They will not allow you to go it alone and they will not let you give up, when you are down they will pick you up. God is definitely working through all of them. Praise God for you family and Leslie. I love them all too. I love you Bud and continue to pray and support you. You are definitely my Hero!! I just want you to know that I have never felt that way about anyonelse in my entire life. Have a blessed day!
Aaron, your words have power. You are an inspiration. We wish you nothing but the best. A steady and full recovery. You may not realize what it is that you give us so please let me share. You give us a chance to be altruistic. That is – the practice of a selfless concern or of giving to others. Many of us give of our time, treasure or talent because we can, because the reward is “in the doing”. I got up on Saturday morning, headed out to Par Line with a smile on my face and a skip in my step knowing that I would see what I see at every “Aaron Event” that I have attended, a love and generosity of spirit beyond what I ever imagined possible before knowing you – I left Par Line that night filled to the brim with just that. Thank you for sharing your journey. Blessing my friend, may you know that we are praying for you and may you push forward in your recovery.
Aaron!
I continue to keep you in my prayers. Say these words out loud every day, “I AM healed, thank you God and so it IS” Speak it into existence my friend and it shall be. I have two books that you might be interested in, one is by Joel Osteen called Become a Better You. The other is by Dr. Susan Shumsky, called, Miracle Prayer. Very powerful books. Dr. Shumsky writes about healing yourself with the power of the Holy Spirit. It’s pretty amazing. Let me know if I can send either one to you!!!! :))
With Love,
Jess
Aaron my love,
As you already know, this post made me tear up. I knew when I met you 5 years ago that you were an incredible person however, I did not know how much you would enrich my life. You inspire me every single day in so many ways. Your courage, strength and determination will take you far. I am so proud to be your girlfriend. Anything is possible so never give up. I believe in you, always.
I love you so much!
Leslie
Aaron,
Your words fill our hearts with pride and our eyes with tears. We are so proud of you. You have a chance to have such a positive affect on so many lives. Don’t miss a single opportunity. It may be your journey but we are with you every step of the way. As Caleb would say, “you can only eat an elephant one bite at a time.” Trust in God & continue to work hard every day and your prayers will be answered.
You are our hero.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Dad & Gina
Aaron, I am so very proud of you and I love you more than I can put into words. When you were a baby I often thought about the kind of man you’d be when you grew up; I never imagined you’d be as insightful as you are or that so many people would be inspired by your life! (I did, however, imagine you’d be as handsome as you are because you were so darn cute!) Keep that positive attitude you have going on right now; work hard, push yourself……and remember, anything is possible! Believe in yourself, your friends and family, and above all, believe in God! I love you.
Mom