My name is Melinda. I am 35 years old and I have been living with spasticity going on 15 years. I have had time in my life when the spasticity seemed unnoticeable to those around me and even to myself. I will go through a simple everyday activity like go down a flight of stairs. When I reached the bottom, I find myself realizing that this time I couldn’t recall having any problems – no spasticity. This usually lasts for just that moment. In my next move, reality hits back. My body becomes stiff as a board and I must wait for the moment to pass before I can continue on.
Spasticity is and always will be a part of my life. That is where it ends, a part. To the best of my ability, I do not let it be the controller of my life. With the love and support of my great family and friends, I don’t let spasticity stop me from living my life to the fullest.
In 2004, my family and myself set out for South Dakota. I had set a goal of participating in the annual “Crazy Horse” walk. This is a 6 mile round trip walk through the woods, up a mountain, and onto Crazy Horses’ arm at an elevation of 6,488 feet. This would test me physically and mentally. I would put up a positive front, but deep down I was scared. Could I do it?
We arrived at 6:30 a.m. (walk started at 8 a.m.) so that I would have the full, allowed time. You had to be back at the start by 4 p.m. Sounds simple enough. Right? Not when you are living with spasticity. The entire time waiting in line, I kept asking myself “will my body be able to endure the physical pain and was I mentally ready?”
With my two brothers’ continuous encouragement, the three of us walked arm and arm taking small steps and several rest stops for the next 5 hours. It may have taken me 5 hours to walk 6 miles but I did it!!!!! I reached the top of the mountain. All I could do is stand at the edge, gaze out over the countryside. At that moment, I felt no pain, no lack of control, no worries only peace.
When I finally took that last step over the finish line, I was tired, sore, and in a lot of pain but I had a smile on my face. I had proved to myself that I did have the strength and courage to overcome my physical weaknesses and that I controlled my life!!
Thank you for allowing me to tell my story.
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