October 19, 2009: Update from Matt

A big thanks to Paul Gamache for putting on the 2009 Cali Burn Fest at the infamous Burnt Ranch Gorge. It sounds like it was a great time!

Here's a link to a video covering the event.

http://vimeo.com/7099987

And here's a link to the results.

http://dagger.ning.com/profiles/blogs/cali-burn-fest-race-results

Another thanks to Marissa Gillingham and the SOU women's soccer team. It was a fun event and I enjoyed watching the game. Thanks!

In therapy I've been pushing myself around in a manual chair. I do laps around the rehab center. It's kinda fun and a great work out. My arms are getting stronger, which has been very encouraging. I started the process for purchasing an FES Bike and hope to have one in my posession within a couple months.

This week was pretty tough emotionally and mentally. The weight of my cuurent predicament was getting to me. I woke up early on Saturday morning thinking about the many things I've lost and all the things I can't do anymore. I just laid there and cried for about a couple of hours just wishing I could go back to that fateful day and go around that jump. Then I forced myself to think about all the things that I'm thankful for. And it's amazing what a shift in attitude can do for ones perspective. There's many things that I miss, but I also have so many things to be thankful for.

So here's a funny story after all that seriousness. My Mom was dropping me off in Ashland to meet up with some friends. The van was parked on a steep side slope making the ramp steeper than normal. So when I exited I ended up falling forward doubling over at the waist due to the lack of ab muscles. I ended up laying on my arm that was on the controls for my wheel chair. I couldn't push myself up and was headed out of control towards the car parked next to us. Luckily I was able to shift my weight enough to turn the chair. I missed the car, but ended up going around in circles bumping into the curb on each revolution. I made three revolutions before my mom was able to get to me and sit me back up stopping the out of control mayhem that was about to get worse. Afterward we both laughed...it was either that or cry. I'm sure it was quite a sight.

I can't thank all of you enough for all the support, positive thoughts, and prayers.

Here's a photo of Matt with no neck brace. They spoke with FES bike people today and that ball is rolling! Next update Matt will have a funny story about an exciting exit from the van!

Thanks again to everyone who has offered prayers, food, love, time and energy in working towards Matt's recovery. Keep up the amazing work!

October 13, 2009 Update from Matt

Sorry for the lack of updates. My goal is to provide an update at least once a week, and if I don't feel free to call me out!

Since the last update I've had visitors from Seattle a couple of weekends, I got stranded in an elevator, my wheel chair died, and I no longer have to wear the neck brace. That's right no more neck brace!!!! It feels great to finally be able to turn my head again after 3 long months.

Therapy is going well. I'm getting stronger and stronger each day. I still have a long ways to go, but there's progress and I'm thankful for it. My left tricep is still weak, but is slowly becoming functional.

Several people have said to me that they're impressed with my positive outlook. My positive outlook is largely due to all of you. Without the love and support I'm not sure I would have made it this far. So thanks!!!!

My spirits remain high and my hope is strong! If I can encourage any of you it would be to get off your butt and go use your legs. Those things are pretty cool. Also let the people know who are dear to you that you appreciate them. Because things can change in an instance!

Keep the faith!

Upcoming Events:

SOU Women's soccer team is playing this Saturday and donating some of the proceeds to me. So check it out!

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/event.php?eid=140583261019&index=1

PS: Excuse the grammar. No one is editing these for me anymore and I'm just an engineer. :)