Humbling Experiences

[Kristyn Vytlacil]

So, I know we've all had experiences in our lives that humble us and I wanted to share a couple of mine...

Yesterday, after my appointment with the surgeon, I got to go do a round of PT. When I walked into the PT area, the first person I see is this kid, probably 16 years old. He was learning to walk using what looked to me like polio braces and those crutches that attach to the forearms (I'm sorry I do not know what they're called). It's one of those moments when you think, wow, despite the challenges I will face in the near future, it's just nothing compared to that. I would bet money too that that kid has an awesome attitude about his PT. I'm guessing that just about every time I go to PT in the next few months I will have similar humbling experiences.

The day wasn't finished yet... then there was this http://www.komonews.com/news/local/50627812.html

This young woman competed at Central Washington University's Strongest Man and Woman this spring and took first place. I have a feeling she'll be back to pulling trucks sooner than one might expect!

Let this be a little reminder to all of us to be thankful for what we do have and appreciative of what we are capable.

[Kevin Cronin]

Nice post KV. 'Humbling' is a great choice of words

[JustinLallemand]

So, I know we've all had experiences in our lives that humble us and I wanted to share a couple of mine...

Yesterday, after my appointment with the surgeon, I got to go do a round of PT. When I walked into the PT area, the first person I see is this kid, probably 16 years old. He was learning to walk using what looked to me like polio braces and those crutches that attach to the forearms (I'm sorry I do not know what they're called). It's one of those moments when you think, wow, despite the challenges I will face in the near future, it's just nothing compared to that. I would bet money too that that kid has an awesome attitude about his PT. I'm guessing that just about every time I go to PT in the next few months I will have similar humbling experiences.

The day wasn't finished yet... then there was this http://www.komonews.com/news/local/50627812.html

This young woman competed at Central Washington University's Strongest Man and Woman this spring and took first place. I have a feeling she'll be back to pulling trucks sooner than one might expect!

Let this be a little reminder to all of us to be thankful for what we do have and appreciative of what we are capable.

Funny you posted this today. I had a similar feeling last night as I watched "Murderball" for the first time (even though it's been out a while.) These guys are seriously aggressive atheletes and instead of spending a second feeling bad, they are competing and even comparing stories about getting girls' phone numbers, etc. Most did admit feeling bad for a while, but they certainly didn't act like it. Even Mark Zupan (sp?) said he has done so much more since his accident than before.

Made me feel weak to complain if my back hurts a little or if I don't feel like studying/working.

I'm sure your experience hit home even more since you were right there witnessing a kid recover. I always say it, but I'm absolutely amazed what your will power / mind can do. Kids seem to have an even higher success rate since they don't have any skepticism like an adult might.

Not exactly related, but I've heard that Stephen Hawking was an average student until one day his legs gave out on him. That day he decided he was going to do something with his life no matter how his disease progressed. And he is obviously regarded as a genious in physics.

Hearing all of these stories makes me realize that to be honest, I'm relatively LAZY and I used to think I wasn't. It kind of goes along with the saying: "The more you learn, the more you realize you don't know." Or from this board: "The stronger you get, the more you see how much stronger a lot of guys are!!!"

[Alex Klotz]

I once saw a girl in the gym bouncing around on a BOSU ball. I didn't think much of it, until she sat down, rolled up her pant leg, took one of her legs off, and started balancing on the ball with one leg.

[Matt Schumann]

Im in the middle of reading Lance Armstrong's book... Very humbling and inspirational.

[Bob Wanamaker]

Every time I see my friend Char on stage leading her dance troupe, I am humbled.

Every time I see John racing in a marathon, I am humbled beyond words.

Char & John are friends who are quadriplegics, and have been in wheelchairs for 20+ years. Char goes through repeated back surgeries, is probably in constant pain, but simply refuses to let that be an excuse.

They are, in many ways, my role models as athletes.

[Christina Lafex]

I totally understand your experience with the 16 year old using the lofstrand crutches. Everyday I see patients fighting just to feed themselves or to take a few steps for the first time after a traumatic injury. It really makes you take a step back and appreciate all that you have despite what battles of your own you are besieged with. When I am doing a discharge with a patient I always ask what the first thing they are going to do when they get home is and nine times out of ten it is a simple luxury that I guarantee we all take for granted, sleeping in their own bed, taking a shower in their shower, being able to eat what and when they want and my personal favorite being able to go to the bathroom without having to share every detail with someone

[Eric Johnson]

This past weekend me and my son did are annual guys weekend, Seattle to Portland Bicycle ride. I always see many inspirational people on this ride (203 miles) but this last one took the cake. There was a couple on a tandem, husband in the front, wife in the back, only the wife only had one leg. Made me feel pretty small for complaining about my sore butt and back as I watched her push and pull with only one leg. We all need to have things put back into perspective every once in a while!