Father's Day

This year, I have the privilege of celebrating my first Father’s Day. My daughter was born on May 29th, and as I write this, we are still in the hospital. Coincidentally, this Saturday—May 31st—marks exactly fifteen years since I sustained my spinal cord injury that left me a quadriplegic. It’s a powerful and humbling alignment of life events: nearly fifteen years to the day after an experience that changed my life forever, I welcomed my daughter into the world.

Fifteen years ago, it felt as though my life had ended. Today, I’m reminded how life can transform in ways we never expect. I had hoped my daughter might arrive on the exact anniversary of my injury, but she had other plans. Still, the timing feels deeply significant. Over these past fifteen years, I’ve accomplished things I never imagined possible—opportunities and milestones I likely would not have pursued if not for my injury.

As a result of that turning point, I went to college, completed a master’s degree in counseling, became a therapist, got married, and now, I am a father. While I am proud of all these achievements, nothing compares to the experience of becoming a parent. It is, without question, the most meaningful moment of my life.

The journey has not been without challenges. In the years following my injury, I faced a great deal of insecurity and uncertainty about the future. I always hoped to one day be married and start a family, but as a quadriplegic, that goal often felt out of reach. Fortunately, life proved otherwise. I believe God had a greater plan for me—one that was better than I could have imagined. Fertility can be complex for individuals with spinal cord injuries, and while success is never guaranteed, I feel incredibly fortunate that my prayers were answered. The two things I’ve hoped and prayed for most consistently throughout the years—a partner and a family—have both become reality.

The love I feel for my daughter is immeasurable. Becoming a parent has already reshaped my perspective and purpose. Of course, I recognize there will be new challenges ahead. Parenting is demanding for anyone; as a quadriplegic, there will be additional complexities. But I’m not discouraged. If I’ve learned anything from the past fifteen years, it’s that I am capable of overcoming great adversity. I trust that I will find ways to meet the demands of fatherhood with creativity, resilience, and dedication.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned from living with a spinal cord injury is the power of purpose. Purpose provides direction, resilience, and meaning, even in the face of hardship. I found purpose in my rehabilitation, in pursuing higher education, in becoming a therapist, and in building a life with my wife. None of these things would have occurred had I not faced the challenges of my injury. Today, fatherhood brings a new and even deeper sense of purpose—one that extends far beyond myself.

Holding my daughter for the first time was a profoundly moving experience. I will never forget the feeling of her small body resting in my arms. As I look to the future, I do so with gratitude, hope, and optimism.

A spinal cord injury can feel like the end, but it doesn't have to be. I hope my story offers encouragement to others facing similar challenges. Keep going. Stay strong. Persevere.