​I Remember

I remember the day my life changed forever. I was reaching for a snack in the cabinet, next thing I knew, I was on the floor with my brother standing over me. I knew I had been shot. I was 11 years old.

I remember telling my brother to get my dad, and they called 911. The paramedics arrived and put me on the stretcher. I saw a bunch of flashing lights, and the next thing I knew, I was in the ambulance. They needed to cut my clothes off, and the only thing I could think was, "THIS IS MY FAVORITE SHIRT!" So, I let them cut my shirt after they promised me a Butterfinger milkshake from Steak n Shake afterward.

I remember being pushed into the ER. There was a lot of noise and more bright lights. Everything happened so fast. I was surrounded by the unfamiliar; machines, beeping, and tubes coming out of places I didn't even know were possible. I just wanted everything to pause.

I remember when the doctor came in: my room was dark, and I was watching TV. She sat next to me and explained the extent of my spinal cord injury, but all I heard was I was never going to walk again. At that moment, I felt like my life was over! I would never ride a bike, play basketball with my brother, or swim…

I remember the first time I had to sit up and had to get in my wheelchair, it had only been three days after I'd been shot. It was some of the worst pain I've ever felt. Soon after, I was transferred into a rehab hospital. It was hard getting to know my body again. There were new strengths and weaknesses I had to learn. The physical and occupational therapists worked with me daily to teach me how to be more independent. I had to learn how to transfer myself in and out of bed, how to go to the bathroom, take showers, get myself dressed - all the basic stuff. It was hard finding motivation, strength, and positivity. It was hard mentally and emotionally to prepare myself for a life outside of a hospital.

I remember all the bad parts, but I also remember all the good!

I remember Ann, she was my occupational therapist. She pushed me hard because she believed I was strong. My first session with her was on a tilt table, I was scared and nauseous, but she reassured me everything was going to be okay. I threw up, but she didn't make a big deal out of it. We just switched to a different activity. Never once did she give up on me. She even got me into a pool - something I never thought was possible. She believed in me even when I didn't believe in myself!

I remember Andrea. Andrea was my CNA on my very first day. She came in, introduced herself, and warmed up my cookie. From that moment on, she was the one I always looked for on hard days. She was the first person I ever opened up to about being shot. She motivated me and told me that I still have a purpose. Andrea helped me prepare for therapy and life outside of the hospital. She was my rock!