Riding Forward
Aloha, my name is Jaycie and I'm from Kaua'i, Hawai'i. I am 25 years old and on October 10th, 2013 my life took a turn for the worst. I was in a domestic road accident. I broke my my neck (C3-C4 incomplete) and my right femur in 3 places. Never did I imagine, ever becoming a quadriplegic (just shy of my 22nd birthday too). Doctors said I would never get off the ventilator, let alone move again. First thing I whispered to my mom was, "I'm gonna fight". After 3 brutal months of being hospitalized (at Queen's and Rehabilitation Hospital of the Pacific), I was able to return home...still immobile but able to breathe, eat and talk on my own again.
Life is Precious
These past 4 years have taught me so much. That life is too precious and how we should never take it for granted. To appreciate, not only the good but also the bad, because every moment is/was meant to mold us into who we are and what we'll become. I used to get so angry but I now realize how much this experience has changed me...for the better. The pain and struggles only made me stronger and I'm truly blessed to have gotten a second chance to do things right this time around. I won't lie, it's tough but it's better to keep striving than to wallow in despair and regret. No matter what you've been through or what you continue to face, none of it is a good enough excuse to give up. How you go about any given situation, is what makes it all worth it. As crazy as it sounds, I feel like I'm in a better place in my life than I ever was before. I am going on my 4th semester of college, while still continuing physical therapy. I am still unable to move anything below my shoulders but I keep on working hard towards my recovery. Most importantly, I cling to faith, that everything will fall into place at the right time. Quadriplegic may be what I am, but it's not who I am. Never let an injury or disability define you or limit you. We were all meant for so much more.
