Like people, courage comes in many forms, and is interpreted in many ways. Spasticity has been many steps backward in the forward motion of my life. With it came sadness, weakness, pain, frustration, and finally, determination. While my spasticity will never end, my life inevitably will, and I am determined to enjoy every bit of my life in spite of its setbacks.
The art I have enclosed is one expression of my love for life. The colorful, softly swirling side represents the freedom of life without spasticity. The harsh, unbending black box that the color fades into represents the imprisonment, darkening depression, and muting of the colorful freedom. Not at all hopeless, just boxed in.
I survived two strokes at the age of 27 while serving in the military. At that time, I was also diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. I am 42 now, and in spite of everything, am enjoying life. |
