Hi There,I wanted to take some time to thank each of you for all you have done these last 5 years. (Hard to believe!) Whether in person or from afar you have helped all of us go through this journey a little easier. We have come a long way since that day, we all remember where we were when we heard the news.
We have learned so much and Kenny is doing well – considering all that he has been through. We continue to hope for progress in spinal cord research and hope that someday it will help him in some way. Today I find my emotions a little less in check, I remember the physcial guy he was, so proud of the guy he is – I will be conscious more today of those "things he misses most". I will rub his sister’s belly (she is due in 4 weeks) and hug Ali and Abi just a little longer – for him.
I know each one of us has come through this thinking a little differently about our lives, we all look at the disabled just a little different and not one of us can pass by a wheelchair without thinking about "what" put this person in that chair.
We will forever be greatful and truly appreciate you all, please continue sending good thoughts our way. We do lean on your shoulders from time to time. You hold us up when we need a little help. We are so fortunate to have wonderful people around us.
With much love,
Jeanne, Skip and Kenny
… yeah, you can say it. My mom rocks.
What an awesome mom you have there and what an incredible source of strength she must be. Good to see you blogging again, even if the words this time were borrowed. ;)Kelly (from Arkansas)
indeed.much love to you and the fam.j
Indeed she does Kenny, indeed she does!Much love to all of you! Sabine
Thanks Kenny and Thank you to your mom. She\’s awesome, You know it and now that you\’ve shared that with us, we know it… There\’s nothing like the bond between a mother and son either- Clearly yours is profound- I love that! So is mine… 🙂
Beautiful words by a beautiful women. I cant wrap my mind around your journey, just know i think of you often and pray for us all daily!much love Marina
Yep – your mom rocks – now that\’s been said – maybe you can get some sleep! From the east side of the country – take care.
well look at you, still writing and still drawing in the comments :)Hope you\’re doing well!
Hard to believe it has been 5 years. Wow…time flies! Your mom is very cool and you are lucky to have family and friends that love you like that. I am looking forward to seeing what comes of stem cell and spinal cord research now that Obama is president. Things will progress in those areas now and it will be great seeing you benefit from that. YOUR MOM ROCKS!
Now I know where you get your ability to write.Personally I believe your journey has just began and will continue to forge its own path. In another 10 years or so, you will just look back at this the early part of your transformation. It\’s difficult and only those of us who have been through it had any iota as to what you might be feeling.Just this morning I had nightmares about not being able to get up to unplug my cable box so it can be reset. Others cry about the trivial and I get wrought about not being able to put my arms around my Frau. I have friends who are clinically depressed and even though they think they have a reason to feel that way, I have so many more, but I won\’t allow myself to dive to those depths.If you ever get an opportunity, don\’t hesitate to write me an e-mail.Billy Paul
I remember your story Kenny – I covered it in the news. Just thinking of you today… happy to hear you are writing a book!I wish you and your family the very best. George HowellIndependent News Reporter Seattle, WA
As long as you stay strong in your mind, that\’s half the battle won. I\’m privileged to read your site. I don\’t know your story, Kenny but assume it\’s not great. My heart goes out to you and your loved ones. Isn\’t it true that as soon as anyone becomes a little more dependant than they were before, you soon find out who your friends are. I\’m learning that as well. My good wishes to you all.
You know Kenny, you would be one of those people in my life that would make me consider myself a lucky person for having the opportunity to meet. I came across this blog a couple years ago and even though I don\’t know you at all I think of you often. I can\’t even begin to imagine the range of emotions that flow through you every day, let alone on the anniversary of your accident but knowing that you are loved so much by so many people has got to be one of the best feelings ever. My own personal fear in life is dieing and not having anyone care, it is obvious that will never be the case with you. I hope 2009 sees brighter skies for you in health, love, your book, and spirits. If you ever feel like coming over to the East Coast give me a holla! Jersey girls are the best around and despite the bad rep Jersey has, there is nothing like our boardwalks in the summer! Big east coast hug for you!
Thank you for sharing your amazing spirit and will.
Hey, Kenny :)Great to know that you\’re doing well.Rock on*PS – So now we know where your gift with words comes from. You said it, your Mom rocks. 🙂 And congratulations to your sis.
Great news about Obama allowing federal-funded stem cell research. Good things are going to happen!
It took me some time to read these last two entries…so much to absorb and think about. The link about Keith Olbermann was so beautiful. He summed up everything I feel about that situation. You should become apart of the HRC. They notify you about easy ways to email your Congressman when they need you to get involved. Check it out.I know there was more I wanted to say about the other entry, but I can\’t get past this one about your mom. She\’s my hero–seriously. Just her being there for you day in and day out, through the good and the bad…well, I know I\’m preaching to the choir, but I give her so much credit, beyond words. I still think about you often. I hope your butt is better. 😉 I\’ll check back and see if you\’ve written anything more. Heather
Thinking of you Kenny and wishing you the best, patti
Hey ~ U amaze me…i was havin a self pitty party tonite and i was thinking…why me why me…crying like a fool and here i was surfin the interweb and i remember ur story and re-read it again. I know what i am going thru doesnt even compare to u, but yet u have the courage to go on and not be a whinneey ass. I hope the best for u!!Crystie
You may never know the impact your life has on SO MANY PEOPLE, Kenny! Been reading & following your site since the beginning… you amaze me, your family amazes me, and you give me hope & the belief in something greater. And dammit if your humor doesn\’t CRACK ME UP!!!!!!! LOL I am the mom of two little girls with profound special needs — a stay at home mom who cares for them 24/7 & I LOVE EVERY MINUTE OF IT!!! We also have a typical 10 year old son who keeps things in balance, too. 🙂 It always blows my mind how often I hear myself saying, "My friend Kenny online said….." and then I correct myself, "OK, well, I\’ve never met him, but I still consider him a FRIEND!!!!" THANK YOU for sharing your life & story with everyone — cannot WAIT to read the book. 🙂 xoxoxo to you! Gwen from KS
Howdy…When we think about five years of time we may instantly think that is a short period in a lifetime.But for all of you the last five years may have felt like an eternity. Some day’s surely cannot go by fast enough when there are such enormous struggles.The only people who can truly understand are those who live like you Kenny.Good health to you in your situation and peace be in your home…Greghttp://blogquest.spaces.live.com
Hey stranger,Have a blessed Easter. Moms are wonderful.Love Catherine
Hey turd! Miss me?;o)~
Yea your mom does sound like she rocks! heheHey, I just wanted to say, that I fell upon this website of yours in 2005 when you were writing pretty regularly. I left a couple of comments, but i really had no idea what it was like to be really sick or have an injury that would lead to long term problems. Now, I get it, and basically i\’m just appologizing for my *kind* but very unguided comments I left you back in the day. The past few years a whole bunch of different medical things just kinda fell on top of me and I don\’t get around much. Good so see you are still hangin in there and your spirit must be huge cuz I don\’t know how you do it…Katharine-
Hello Kenny,
I ready some of your words years ago, and was recently wondering how you were, how life is treating you. Would love if you started blogging again. Hope all is well in your world,
Jenica