Grateful

Earlier this year one of our students was in a skiing accident that left her paralyzed. She has since returned to school and is in a wheelchair. I have only talked to her once. A few weeks ago she was waiting to use the handicap stall in the restroom while a dance student used it as a changing room (despite numerous signs telling students to not use the restroom as a changing room). She recognized me from a poster in the hallway. We briefly chatted. After this I promised myself that I would not be so thoughtless and use a handicap stall again.

Anyway, I saw this student again tonight. I was leaving work in my car and making a right hand-turn at the intersection. I was in a hurry to get home because I needed to exercise before going to a baby shower. At the intersection there is a dip between the end of the sidewalk and the road. She was at the bottom and appeared to be straining to get the wheels started and going and up the slight incline. My mind raced back to earlier in the day when I had easily walked across campus to the Marriott Center to listen to devotional, and then up to the Wilkinson Center twice. It hit me how blessed I am to walk with relative ease. I wonder what our student will do when winter comes. I can't imagine that getting around in a wheelchair in 3 inches of snow would be very fun.

I wonder if there are ever days that she wishes she had the use of her legs again. She is a source inspiration. I wonder how many people would return to school after a life-altering accident? I am sure she is more dedicated than many other students who have full use of their legs.

I am grateful to walk! Life is good.