One year. Then and Now…

It amazes me that I am a year into this process, this metamorphosis. I wanted to present this blog to exhibit the transformation that has taken place over this past year. I do this not only to show that change is evident if one views it at the appropriate scale, but also to display, for myself, that despite the illusion of plateaus, progress is ongoing.

Then: Bed ridden, and being fed by way of intravenous fluids and a feeding tube (Mmmm, protein mush).

Now: Balance is 90%, and I’m walking a lot, riding the bus, and not running into many things. Diet is normal, and I can finally get down a double cheeseburger, with a minimal amount of mess.

Then: Continually forgot the word “syringe”, and received sponge baths (God, how I miss those).

Now: Still forget the word… um, oh yeah, “tailgate”, and have to wash myself. What a hassle.

Then: I had no sight in the upper hemisphere of my right eye and my vision was 20/200.

Now: Despite the eye still being sewn shut (something that may last until this summer when surgery to straighten the eyes out is a possibility), I have a full field of vision and my sight is now 20/50. Not bad considering everyone told me my optic nerve was shot and wouldn’t get any better.

If I have learned anything from this experience it is that patience in all things is central. When you understand that there is a time a place for each instance things become clear. Carpe Diem, seize the day, is not about completing things as soon as it becomes apparent that they must be completed. Instead, the concept is to understand the essential timing and the change that must occur before they can be done. A wise man once said, “Luck is when opportunity and preparedness meet.” We must understand that all things do not occur at once because they can’t, this is not the way of things. Change is the current by which things move. It should not be shunned or feared, but embraced and ridden.

I want to thank the medical staff in Kumba, and all my friends there, David, Mukete, Sona, Etangane, Greg, Konang, and everyone at CamCCUL and the credit unions. To Nan and Robert for getting me airlifted to Yaoundé, and to the medical staff at the hospital in Yaoundé. Thank you to Laura and Ann, the Peace Corps medical staff who visited me everyday even though they had no idea what I was saying half the time. And to the flight for life crew who took me to South Africa. Thanks to the doctors and nurses in South Africa, and to Leann, the regional Peace Corps doctor. Thank you to Erika, her husband, and Sigi for making me feel like I had family in South Africa. They visited me nearly everyday and I deeply appreciate it. Thanks to all the doctors, nurses, and rehabilitation specialists at Craig Hospital who helped me get back on my feet, quite literally. And to all the doctors who are currently helping me get back to my old self. Thank you to all my friends: Joe, Mari, Frank, Jeanne, Christina, Neil, JC, Jose, Tony, Gretchen, Sean, Becky, Surel, Wendi, Shahen, Amalya, Sandra, Olga, Bret, Molly, Brittany, Kayla, and Olivia. I’m sure I’ve forgotten someone, and I apologize. Did you know I’ve had a severe head injury recently? A huge thank you to my family: Mom and Justin, Dad and Kris, Chris and Megan, Dave and Missy, Cara, Brenna, Logan, Evan, Bill and Ellen, Peter, Lauren, Rachel, and Joe (the only one who is included twice not only due to his relationship with my sister, but because he is my bro). I Love you all!