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A Word of Inspiration

© Shannon Lester

So here I sit at the end of another summer that passed in what seemed to be seconds. At times like these, I marvel at how many things have taken place in my life since I first stepped foot out of the rehabilitation center. It’s been nearly twelve years since I entered the world of disabilities, one which at times, was filled with uncertainty and despair. When I awoke from having a massive stroke, also known as an AVM hemorrhage, I felt that I was waiting for a miracle that would never come.

Social isolation left me in a deep depression that would continue for years. Tears were a routine part of each day. And going to school didn’t help matters much. At the time, getting an education constituted torture. Going to school meant pain, emotional pain. So-called qualified educators mistook my lack of mobility and speed as neglect. And I quickly became the target of reprimands from teachers. My peers targeted me with every name in the book. “Stupid, retard.” You name it. I was fair game for anything.

Defeating the Odds

Looking back now on what seemed to be a hopeless future, I smile. I was told that I would never be employed, would never succeed in college, and may never live a normal life. At times, I was convinced. Every dream I had ever held was crushed. From the first time someone stared at my wheelchair, I felt that I would never be the same. And I was right. It seemed as though I had taken one giant step backwards. From the seemingly simple task of developing a friendship to the monumental task of taking my first step without a walker, life had changed completely. I had been set back from the life of a nine-year-old to the stages of infancy.

Outwardly, I was helpless. On the inside, I had bigger and better plans. As a child, I had always planned on college. But suddenly, even that was an uncertainty.When people asked me what I wanted to do with my life, an empty feeling filled the pit of my stomach. I couldn't understand math. Even simple elementary math was a challenge.

“She won’t be able to make it,” they said.

"Won't make it?" I thought. My heart sank. I couldn't feel anything. All that I had worked for was suddenly gone.

When I graduated from high school, I had already been accepted to a local community college. As I approached the school that fall day, I was filled with excitement and ambiguity. The rustic leaves clapped together as they fell from the trees. Nothing could have been more perfect.

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