Life In The Slow Lane...
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San Diego, CA, United States
This is a commentary about the slow lane, about the slowing of time since I suffered a severe brain injury while skateboarding with my dog. This is a blog about recovery; about our '82 VW Westfalia. It's about writing, surfing, camping, married life, bleeding ulcers that make you feel old at 32; about family, friends, and my dog Artie; it's about cruising in fourth gear, getting passed by every car and learning to appreciate every second of it.

Monday, April 11, 2011

Speech!

I am invited to speak about my injury and recovery to a college class at San Diego State University.

I was there last year, same professor but different students. And I will appear with the same group of speakers; myself, and two men with spinal cord injuries.

Last year, my story had just been printed and the professor had assigned students to read my story for extra credit. It was before I was prescribed any medication, and only six months after waking up, so I was just learning my condition.

I didn't feel right then appearing alongside two men that have lived the last ten or more years in wheelchairs unable to lift their arms above their shoulders. This year, I'm not sure if I can find the strength to do the same.

I don't want to appear with the story of a hidden injury, the story of frustration, depression, and uncontrollable thoughts and emotions. I'm sure they have much of the same, though they can't hide it.

Maybe this is a sign of recovery, or maybe I am wanting to keep the injury hidden. I'm unsure.
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5 comments:

  1. anntonApril 12, 2011 at 11:03 AM

    Maybe it is only a sign of positioning, something that just happens. Having lived with a disability all my life, it happens to me as well. Once in a while. Decide how you feel about it close to the event, but don't judge yourself. One thing that I have learned over the years, how good or hard the lives of others may look like, there should be no comparison. We only have the strength we have.

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  2. Life In The Slow LaneApril 12, 2011 at 2:36 PM

    Thanks, Annton. That's a good point. These presentations can be a bit stressful, especially in front of people that "seemingly" have it much harder than I do. But, you're right, no comparisons should be made!

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  3. UnknownApril 13, 2011 at 11:19 PM

    I was student in the audience, and I can assure you, whatever hesitations or perhaps uneasiness you had were entirely unbeknownst to me and surely the rest of the class. The fact that you were next to other individuals who had also gone through traumatic situations for a longer period of time in no way shape or form made your presentation any less meaningful or less important.

    I needed to let you know the reason why I took the time to find your blog though, it is not some patronizing form of pity or anything judgmental whatever. I just wanted to let you know, you are an inspiration. Perhaps what got to me was your strength and endeavors throughout your journey, or maybe it was your pitch perfect raw comic reliefs, or maybe it was your typical-guy trying to fight the demons persona that surely everyone encounters, although you just do it without the help of the 'filter'. Whatever it was man, I simply find so much encouragement from you. Keep up the slow-lane, and those awesome pieces in the reader. Who knew someone other than me and seniors were interested in city-politics!

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  4. Life In The Slow LaneApril 15, 2011 at 3:46 PM

    Thanks, Tony but please no more comments like this. My battered filter can't stop the emotions from pouring out.

    In all honesty, it really means a lot to hear your response and your support.

    Cheers!

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  5. girloliverApril 18, 2011 at 2:26 PM

    After reading Tony's comment, I am sure your next presentation at SDSU will be just as good! can't wait to hear about it after.

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