August 19, 2010

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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!

WOW!!!! What a day!

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Yesterday 8/14, was the Aaron’s Journey Golf Benefit @ ParLine Golf Course. It was an incredible day. We could not have asked for a better day weather wise. A perfect fall day that was sandwiched between several rain soaked days. Turn out was amazing.
I don’t think any of us who golfed can even begin to understand the amount of work that goes into pulling an event of this size off. The fact that it all came off without a hitch is a testimony to the effort & organization of everyone involved. A big thank you to Pete & Diane and their gang of committed friends for providing the rest of us with such an enjoyable afternoon. Also, thank you to ParLine, everyone who donated auction items, sponsored a hole or golfed.
Several of our dedicated A.J. fundraiser photographers were on hand to document the day so keep checking back on this blog site for pictures that will be posted as soon as they are available.
One funny story from the day. I am teed up about 6 holes into the round. I have taken my back swing and am ready to hit my tee shot when my cell phone, which I forgot to turn off,  goes off in my pocket. Needless to say,  I hit a line drive about 30 yards into the weeds. Turns out that it was Aaron calling to see how my day was going. We finish the hole and as we are driving to the next tee my cell phone rings again, this time it is a member of the foursome that is behind us calling to compliment me on my form & distance. I return Aaron’s call and share the whole story with him which he shares with Gina who says……”It’s no big deal. I’ve golfed with Woody and it would have ended up in the weeds anyway.”

Finally, one of the highlights of the day for me was the opportunity to meet a young man & his family from Tyrone, PA. His name is Caleb Snyder and he and his family (grandparents & parents) drove all the way from the State College (WE ARE) area just for the meal and to meet Aaron and his family. Unfortunately Aaron did not attend but Diane (Aaron’s mother) & I got to visit with them for an hour or so. Caleb, who is now 16, was paralyzed during a wrestling match in January of 2009 when he was 14. He shattered his C5 vertebra and dislocated his C6 & C7 pinching/bruising his spinal cord in much the same way that Aaron did, only a level or two lower. He was diagnosed as a C5 quadriplegic. He also rehabed at Magee in Philadelphia, discharging from there in April of 2009. Did I mention that he walked into the pavilion at ParLine? You could not have picked him out from the crowd except for his Tyrone t-shirt. He is going out for the school baseball team this year. He and his family shared their story and of how HOPE & FAITH played such a huge part in his recovery. He is truely an inspiration and we felt so uplifted talking with he and his family. We hope that Caleb & Aaron will get to meet in the near future and we are told that we will be invited to one of Caleb’s baseball games.

Thanks to everyone for all that you do and for walking stride for stride with us as we continue on Aaron’s Journey.

Keep praying!

We love you all!

August 3, 2010

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Hello everybody!

Well, I finally am in possession of my very own power will chair!  It was supposed to be here sometime in February and we had a few bumps in the road along the way, but we won’t harp on that today.  I have a new cushion which is pretty comfortable so far.  The chair itself is pretty cool but also a little obnoxious.  There are wires and some other things that will eventually be cut or tied back once I have it for a week or so and make sure everything is the way I want it to be.

My classes are going very well so far.  My lowest grade is an A-.  Midterms are this week so hopefully I do well in those and continue with the good grades.

Other than that, not too much is new.  I just wanted to say hello and check in briefly.  I hope all of you are doing well and enjoying your summer!  Talk to you soon, I promise.

Aaron

Golf Benefit Update

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A new registration form for the Golf Benefit is available on the Golf Benefit page (see sidebar for link). Of course if you’ve already registered there is no need to register again.

Aaron did a great job of answering some of your questions about the benefit. If you were wondering what the “scramble” format is here’s the explanation that I was given. Each player hits their ball, then they choose the best ball, all go there and drop their balls, hit again, choose the best ball and so on until the ball is holed out. So long as you have one “good” golfer in your group you’re good to go. The prizes are “flighted” so you may win a flight without being the best group on the course. And if your group wins a prize, then all four players in the group win the prize. I asked what “flighted” meant and I still don’t understand the explanation, so if you really want to know, I suggest that you either ask a golfer or google it.

The scramble format promises to be a lot of fun, so even if you aren’t very good, form up a team anyway and as long as your team has at least one above average golfer you have a chance to win prizes…and there will a number of prizes awarded.

To reiterate some of the questions that Aaron answered:
– You CAN come to the dinner even if you don’t golf. It is $25 and includes a steak dinner, salad, a drink, and a dessert. The dinner will be served in the pavilion, and the people at Par Line are wonderful cooks. If you plan to attend just the dinner, please contact Anne or Pete (see the registration form).
– The raffle will be held after the dinner at approximately 6:45 p.m., but you don’t need to play golf or attend the dinner to participate. Again, to purchase raffle tickets ahead of time, please contact Anne or Pete. Raffle prizes include a bracelet, numerous golf clubs, and various gift certificates.
– There isn’t really a dress code. The golfers will most likely be eating dinner in the clothes they golfed in, i.e. t-shirts and shorts. Shoes are required.
– Spectators are permitted to watch from the area by the clubhouse near the tee-boxes of holes 1 and 10, and the greens of holes 9 and 18.

There are still slots available, so form a group today and prepare yourselves for a day of fun!

July 8, 2010 – successful people

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Successful people:  1. Daydream about what it will feel like to reach a goal that is meaningful for them.  2. They feel it is possible for them to reach the goal with good effort.  3. They spend time listing and anticipating how they will handle diffi culties and problems that they may encounter.  4. They seek out experienced people and expert resources for guidance on how to succeed.

July 6, 2010 – School

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Good evening everyone!

Sorry I haven’t posted anything within the past few days, but I’m extremely busy as I just started my college classes on Monday.  I’ll try to get something out soon but I’m not sure when.  These online courses are keeping me extremely busy.  I normally login around noon and work until 8:00 PM or so.   

I hope everyone is doing well.  Enjoy the heat! 🙂

Aaron

Half Marathon – September 12, 2010

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Hello!

Leslie, my girlfriend, is running a half marathon this coming September to raise money for Aaron’s Journey.  She will not be running alone, as she’s getting a team together compiled of both friends and family!  She put together the following website for donations to be made – http://www.active.com/donate/aaronsjourney.

For anybody who doesn’t know, a half marathon is 13.1 miles.  I personally think she’s crazy for wanting to do this, but I also love her for it! 🙂  For anybody interested in helping her reach their goal, please click on the link.  Everybody else, please just wish them well!

Thanks again for everything,

Aaron

June 14, 2010

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Thank you to everyone involved with Saturday’s yard sale.  Whether you donated items, bought items, just came to visit and say hello or helped set the whole thing up (my family), I greatly thank you!  You helped raise a little over $1200!!  That is beyond awesome!  I can’t thank you enough for the bottom of my heart.  I’m so lucky to be surrounded by family and friends who cares as much as they do.  Also a big thank you to Leslie for helping out and entertaining Betsy! 🙂

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qJt-ghta1A