Hi there my Steemian friends! How are you all doing this fine weekend?
On the 26th of January I had my 19th anniversary since the motorcycle accident which literally changed my life. The anniversary is not a sad occasion, at least not anymore, but in the days leading up to it I still have a sense of impending calamity, strange huh!
Anyway. In previous posts I have shared some of the stories about my exploits one handed; I've talked about carpentry, welding and kite surfing-
But there are many other ordinary, day to day activities which became a challenge one handed. Take a look at the next two videos. Tying shoe laces is not really a big deal because I could just wear slip on shoes, but why should I?
It did take quite a few attempts to master, and for many years I did only wear slip on shoes but once I got the hang of it, it became easy. And the dexterity in my hand improved which helped a great deal with the activity shown in the next video
Why is this important? I hear you ask.
It's like this.... There are simply far too many plastic bags littering where I live, the supermarket checkout baggers use way too many and it makes me a little crazy. I like to use these bags as garbage bags, so they at least serve another purpose on their way to landfill. Until about two years ago I had enormous trouble simply putting a knot in the bag handles. I tried all sorts of ways but the least irritating way involved using my teeth.
Urgh!! I hear you cry!
Gross indeed and simply unacceptable when the bag in question is filled with garbage. In a moment of dexterous inspiration, in the supermarket as it happens, I figured out how to knot the handles and after a few attempts this task has also become easier.
Perhaps these videos may inspire; perhaps they show you that life after such a disaster need not be all doom and gloom. If only one of you takes something positive from this post then it was worth putting it together.
And finally
Though I do not like the way in which I was edited in this "reality TV show", I cannot deny that the behaviour shown was indeed me. I would like to add that this was almost 11 years ago and I am not the same, angry person I was back then. I am showing it more in the hopes of highlighting that so called "disabled people" are not always as disabled as you might think and in many cases disability is more a state of mind than a state of body. Most of the people I met on this trip are incredible human beings and deserve way more respect than I for their actions. Anyway, this one's for you @midnashowler -
@beanz @klye - handsolo as in one handed, not necessarily what you had in mind hehehe
@papa-pepper - Thanks again for the Gif
Hiya Tim.
That first photo just looks soooo familiar my El Yaque friend.
I remember that night well, and still get boned up when I review those pictures :-) What a great time we had...
I can totally vouch that that photo has not been photoshopped!
hehehehe yes of course! I have a few others :P
Great to see you on here my friend
Damn this made me well up. I'm actually crying. Thanks for this post :') I never noticed u lost a hand. I've only read a few posts tho. You are truly inspiring. Now I get your steemit name haha good to have a sense of humor. I'm one of those types that wants to do everything. I've thought about making furniture ha! I can't do everything tho haha. Furniture making is dope.
That picture with you and the chick bending over is LOL.
You rock man. The gods had to take the arm to level out the playing field for the rest of us!
Awesome comment my friend! Thank you @klye, you're a legend
I've often considered how hard it must be for you to do everyday tasks, and I have lots of respect for what you've had to learn to go through every day, to work, to deal with your pain and more. I've watched my sister who at age 23 (30 years ago) lost all use of her body below her lungs. She had to relearn everything in a new way. She, like you, is a force of nature and never let it stop her, she still went swimming, learned to train dogs, ride horses, drive and everything else she wanted but just doing the basics can take SO much longer for her. Anyway, keep up the great attitude, the self-support and as always, I really enjoy your posts.
Thank you so much! Wow, 23, same age. I think that for a lucky few the worst of things can bring out the greatest strength within. Your sister sounds like an incredible person but it is often the simplest of tasks that become the real challenge. Your comments always mean a lot to me
What a brilliant post. Quite awesome that you have developed these skills and don't let anything stop you.You are amazing . up-voted and following
Hi there! Thank you so much :D
Following you too
Your 99th Follower....almost to 100. Congradulations...wonderful post. Your past is just a story.... and once you realize this it has no power over you. Keep on kicking ass!
I like this! I look at it this way, everything in your life up to now has made you who you are right now; if you like yourself right now, how can you regret anything in your life? It has helped to make you who you are.
:D Positive vibes
Very inspiring, man! I like that you didn't accept limitations and kept pushing to find ways to accomplish tasks. This was a good read.
Thank you so much @ericvancewalton :D
Very good post! It's good to know you haven't stopped doing what you needed to do despite the challenges... It's inspiring to say the least!! :)
Thanks man!