17 Good Things About SCI

Good Morning,

Last week I had a Thoughtful Thursday...

That date (Jan. 3) marked 17 yrs. since SCI (spinal cord injury)…

With my undying love for the physical…running, jumping, climbing, sliding, diving, log rolling etc. I can honestly say if I had my choice I would still like to give it back.

…but God stamped NO RETURNS or yelled NO TAP-BACKS after this one.

(I’m even willing to stand in the customer service line after x- mas!!!...indefinitely)

BUT today I can also see there is much good. I've come up with a list.

17 Good Things About SCI

1. I get to meet interesting people

2. I get to use jargon or “lingo”

3. I have interesting scars that suggest character

4. I always wear tennis shoes

5. I get to watch TV drama and laugh. Soap opera paralysis..."after Ben operated on his own spinal cord. He faked his paralysis to keep Caroline..."

6. I get to judge all actors' performances for accurate limps (Martin on Frasier…not very good)

7. In general, The Salvation Army ringers ding at me less

8. I have options when it comes to chairs—most people like for disabled people to sit

9. I can honk my horn for service at the gas station...although I've never done this

10. I leave interesting tracks in the snow

11. I have an “in” with Gloria Estefan! Come on
shake that body baby do the Conga! (...tour bus
accident)

12. I would be a good parent. I have no problems
talking poop.

13. At the grocery, I can push my cart through the wrong set of automatic doors (because they’re closer)…and not raise a fuss

14. I get a big sense of accomplishment out of smaller things; e.g., I have been on "Arctic expeditions" cleaning off my car with crampons and ice pick! (cheap plastic ice scrapper and tennis shoes)

15. Clear vision-I can spot an a-hole a mile away!

16. Perfect way to hang out a little longer with people you like; SCI brings some really good people into your life…e.g., people who don’t mind waiting with you and being the last to leave a crowded movie theater.

17. I fall asleep fast and dream big

okay, Happy Monday.

--Amanda C5-C6, incomplete quad