Six years ago my life seemed normal, going to school, hanging out with friends, attending sports events and just living my life not knowing that in a few years all of that would be gone. After enduring multiple spine surgeries my body was not the same as it was before. For someone who used to be actively participating in musicals and dance classes I’ve had to alter my life to adjust to my new changes.

When I recovered from my recent spine surgery in 2019 and started attending physical therapy I was using a walker to help me maneuver around my house and also in public which was a challenge at first. At this time I hardly had enough strength to stand up on my own or take a step to walk. After a few months I slowly started transitioning to crutches. This was by far one of the most challenging activities I’ve learned at physical therapy. I had to gradually start moving my legs to form a walking pattern with the crutches. They ultimately taught me how to move through life with a walking aid. When I decided to go back to school for my senior year I had to use a wheelchair.

Using a wheelchair really challenged me to work harder through my therapy. Right before covid my therapist challenged me to use one crutch to walk which at the time seemed impossible. During lock down I used that time off to really practice using one crutch. I would walk back and forth in my house and even take it outside to experience walking on pavement. I would also exercise every morning in the living room for 30 minutes to build back my strength. Right now, I am successfully maneuvering with one crutch. I have learned to go out to places like the mall, movies and restaurants without too much trouble getting around. Over the course of the past few years I have learned to embrace and accept the changes I have no control of.