A Little Recap

When I broke my neck 6 years ago I had no idea what to expect or what was in store for my future. In many ways the support group that came to my rescue has been my salvation. You guys have carried me through the toughest times imaginable and the man that I have become as a result is a gift I will carry for the rest of my days. In reflection, here is a short summary of my recovery process:

Year 1

Shock: Holy Moly I broke my neck. What am I going to do? Will I be able to find Happiness? Will I be able to find True Love? I can’t see past my nose and even if I could I can’t reach up to scratch it. I don’t remember if the summer was hot, or if the winter was cold. I didn’t listen to music. I couldn’t even see the beauty in a sunset and I love sunsets.

Year 2

Denial: I’ll be alright. I’ve got this. I’ve got some funding, I’ve got great people behind me, everyone believes in me. I’ll have this wrapped up by the end of the year.

Year 3

Depression/Despair/Grieving: This is hard and it’s not magically going away like I thought it would. Everything I’ve worked for my whole life is in shambles. My family needs me and I can’t be there for them because I haven’t learned how to be there for myself. I’m incomplete and I don’t know where to begin. This is really hard.

Year 4

Anger: This sucks. I’m still in a wheelchair and everything is supposed to get better but everything is still so fuzzy. People seem to be frustrated with me, why? I still need help, what’s the deal? I’m trying my hardest, is that not enough? This is not how it is SUPPOSED to go. This is not the life I wanted, what the HELL is going on here? I must be missing something.

Year 5

Acceptance/Hope/Helpfulness: I WAS missing something. I wasn’t giving back to those that have been giving to me for some time. People don’t help because they want THINGS, they help because it makes them feel good and it’s the right thing to do. I need to participate more with this whole process. I am getting better but I have to find Happiness from within BEFORE I walk, or metaphorically I will always be in this chair. I’ve got it real good and I am lucky things are the way they are. This is my vessel. This is my opportunity to be the man I’ve always wanted to be.

Year 6

Coping: I need to get this therapy business going. I need to be a better brother, a better son, and a better friend. I need to call people back. I need to show up on time. I need to be better with time management. In this process of me getting better, people have slipped through the cracks and that’s not good. Sorry everyone, I LOVE all of you. I’m back on track. We’re working with a new Damien here. A better person, a better man. It is a direct result of ALL the people that have been with me rain or shine. Time for actions to do the speaking.

Year 7

Advocacy/Empowerment: This is the year where the giving loop comes full circle. I’ve made it. I’ve found Happiness and I feel that I have earned it. The impulse machine is LEARNING patience. Instead of fighting, I’m learning to flow and it is the vehicle that will carry my intentions right to where they need to be. Our purpose together has begun to establish a momentum that will turn our efforts into something far beyond what we originally planned. THANK YOU for EVERYTHING.