(Writing this from a plane on my way to a mountaineering school/expedition outside of Seattle in the North Cascade mountains)
As you may know, I was pretty badly assaulted at the age of 15. A pretty vicious crime. Fractures in my face. Badly damaged sinus cavity. Fractured ribs. Completely ruined self-esteem.
The worst of the injuries was my spine. I was stomped on very badly by some guys wearing steel toe boots and was forced to have 3 spinal surgeries after the assault. I missed a year and a half of high school recovering from the injuries and have had more surgeries in the past 15 years stemming from this.
My entire adult life has been one with great physical pain. My legs hurt almost constantly, the pain in my back is often excruciating, sitting/standing/walking/lifting can all cause pain sometimes, but I have had to KEEP ON PUSHING. I am a young man with a young wife and a young family and a young church…with an old body.
Literally 10 years ago I was told that I would never be able to accomplish any physical feats and was strongly advised to have a very severe, multi-level spinal fusion. I refuse(d) to accept this and although I may have the surgery someday – I’m not ready yet!
Now, nearly 7 years ago, I was in a brutal car accident. It made my spinal problems worse, caused new neck problems, some new facial issues, and more….
(baby is crying and needs my laptop to watch Yo Gabba Gabba :-)
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Looking forward to the rest of the story. I see your life being made into a movie some day.
BTW, is the family with you on this trip? Are they climbing too.
Shaun, I had no idea about the assault, although I did know about the car accident. My husband has had 2 spinal surgeries and continues to work in a physically demanding job. Each year is harder and harder for him so I can understand (from a spousal perspective) what you are dealing with. I pray for my husband daily, and at times I am heartbroken to see the pain he endures every day.
Don't give up! Remember Paul's "thorn in the flesh"… God never healed him but did give him the grace to persevere! I believe Paul purposely never disclosed specifically what the "thorn" was because we each have our OWN "thorn in the flesh" (for you, back pain…. for someone else, blindness; for another, cerebral palsy, etc.) with which we must struggle.
Peace & Blessings to you.
You constantly amaze me with all you do!
The very reason why next to Jesus, you are my biggest hero!