The next time I'm feeling sorry for myself...
I'm going to re-watch this YouTube video of Dustin Carter. The 18-year-old high school wrestler lost all four limbs after contracting a blood disease at age 5 (a portion of his arms and upper legs remain). Obstacle? To be sure. Life-ending? No way. Dustin reached the Ohio state quarterfinals in February in the 103-pound weight class. Watching him wrestle is draw-dropping and reminds me of the importance of determination, of loving and respecting my body and its many abilities, and to stop whining about things like cellulite.
Another 18-year-old, Lacey Henderson of Denver, has me slapping myself silly about the stupid crap I often complain about. Check out this pic:
Notice anything "different" about it?
The cheerleader in the middle is wearing a prosthetic leg. When Lacey was nine, a cancerous tumor was discovered in her kneecap and her right leg was amputated six inches above the knee.
Challenge? Yes. Enough to sideline her? No way.
Her mom encouraged her to try cheerleading and Lacey made the team, working her way up to high school cheer captain. Today, you'll find her running, dancing and shouting for the University of Denver.
There are countless other examples of individuals excelling not despite their "dis"abilities but simply because they know they can. One other example is Team Hoyt - the father, Dick, 65, runs marathons and triathalons with miraculous speed, made all the more incredulous because her pushes his son Rick, 46, in a wheelchair. Or pulls him in a small boat while swimming. Or lets him enjoy the wind in his hair as he bikes. (Rick cannot walk or talk as a result of having the blood supply to his brain being cut-off during his birth.)
This picture always gets me. Check it out.
Hey, what are we all doing at the computer? Let's get off our butts and MOVE! Run, dance, swim, take your dog for a walk. Celebrate your body and bookmark this entry for down days in the future. Things might seem dismal or depressing at times, but we all have it in us to rebound and excel.
x,
leslie
Comments
I just love hearing about the Hoyts! These kinds of stories are so amazing. I'm such a sucker but I always end up crying watching these vids:) Sometimes we focus too much on how people can be horrible - this is great to think how people can be utterly wonder-full!
Thanks Leslie!!
That's inspiring. It's truly amazing what we're all capable of, especially when presented with a challenge.
That made me tear up..thanks 4 that, u r sooo right!
GAWD, I
Love uuuu!!!
It's great to have people put things in perspective every now and again!
I am going outside RIGHT NOW for a walk. Thanks :)
Great post. What amazing people!
