Now looking back on the year I reflect on all the situations I have been faced with and have overcome.
January- I was hit head on in a 5 car accident on the freeway. My brand new truck (and my first car I have ever bought) was totaled, I had a concussion and enough muscle and cartilage damage that I could barely walk, and could not lift anything or move my right arm.
February- Due to my injuries I had to drop classes in school, missed my entrance exam into my major and lost my financial aid and my scholarships from dropping below 12 class credits.
March-April- Fell pray to ambulance chasers. Spent tons of time and money building up lots of stress and depressing situations with many who were only after an attorney lien and had no intention of truly helping me get any better.
May-June- Continuous physical therapy, chiropractic work and strength building, both physically and mentally. My mom was injured at work and was too subjected to negative treatment and stresses from managers and doctors.
August- Due to financial struggle I was no longer able to pay to live in the dorms and took a step to move into an apartment with others. Though there was still much mental and physical anguish, in August, a break from the stress of the rest of the year was offered to me, an internship with the Society of Professional Journalists, in Indianapolis. A week that was by far the greatest experience I could have asked for. It was definitely the point where I was reminded that things do get better and everything eventually will work out.
September-October- Continued struggles and stress fighting with the school and the state to win back my scholarships and financial aid and adapting to the new responsibilities of life on my own, rent being the biggest new reality.
November- The death of a grandfather, not mine personally but of my boyfriend. Though I was not related the pain that surrounded the sudden passing was painful enough.
December-The death of the next grandparent, an incredibly loved grandmother. Once again, not mine, but regardless she treated me like one of her own grandkids and was a very unique lady.
As I review the year, so much occurred that could have torn me down and shattered my spirit, both physically and mentally. Although there were definitely times where all I wanted to do was to give up, I never did. Thank you to all the individuals who helped make the obstacles of this year nothing more than a speed bump, it's because of all of your support, laughter, good times, caring thoughts, welcoming invitations, and friendship that I was able to get through all these obstacles and use them to help build my character.
As I review the year, so much occurred that could have torn me down and shattered my spirit, both physically and mentally. Although there were definitely times where all I wanted to do was to give up, I never did. Thank you to all the individuals who helped make the obstacles of this year nothing more than a speed bump, it's because of all of your support, laughter, good times, caring thoughts, welcoming invitations, and friendship that I was able to get through all these obstacles and use them to help build my character.
Now here I am continuing to move forward and use 2009 as the foundation that drives my motivation even more. Although I am still facing battles and struggles from the year and new ones are always jumping up to stop me in my tracks, I am not yielding to a mere obstacle, and I encourage everyone who faces obstacles of all sizes... Don't give up.
