March 1st of 2003 my life drastically changed. I was in a sever car accident that broke 4 of my neck vertebraes. After about 3 years of intensive physical rehab I was finally diagnosed with BSS. Mostof my therapist, both physical and mental thought it neccessary to teach me how to COPE with my lessened  abilities and chronic pain, which can only be described as someone pouring gasoline on you and lighting a match. Some of the things they taught me truly helped. One therapist taught me how to fall. Litterally, she taught me how to fall down without breaking bones. This has been extremely helpful. I fall at least 24 times a year. "Help! I've fallen and I can't get up!" has become my motto. I used to laugh at that commercial, without understanding. Now that I'm in the situation, I laugh all the harder. Humor is a wonderful coping mechanism. When I woke up from my coma in the hospital my first words were a clever joke about King of the Hill.

But life continued to be hard and I  was tired of just coping and drudging through life. I wanted more. I got more involved with a local church and went to group therapy for 2 1/2 years. The therapy wasn't for my disabilities either. As a matter of fact, I was the only one in a wheelchair there. The therapy was for my life. They taught me hope. That all though the circumstances are bad, life can be good. They said things to me like "You are wonderful!" "I am glad you are here!" "Welcome!" And my all time favorite, "Its never too late for a fresh start!"

Instead of counting my losses, instead of anger, instead of unforgiveness, I learned to count my blessings and see all the good in my life. Instead of anger and biterness I had Love and Compassion. But most of all, I grew the courage to have hope.