May 22nd, 2015 was a day that was full of emotions that I am feeling again as I look back and remember. 

On this day 2 years ago my life was starting over. I spent 72 days in the hospital. 72 days of fighting, training, crying, smiling, working my butt off to walk out of the doors of the hospital. To do what I was told wasn’t going to be possible. I walked into the unknown. I walked into my new apartment in a new area of town and I learned to live on my own. I learned to fight for me and I continued to work hard to achieve my life back. 

One year ago I was different from the girl who walked out of the hospital. I had pushed myself to be better. I had flutters in my fingers. I had half way finished my graduate program. I was working my first job in my field of work. I still had big goals to achieve and lots of work to get to. 

Today I reflect on the past day, weekend, month and year. 

I started the day feeling kind of sad becuase I couldn’t go fishing because my arm was so sore and tired from catching fish the past two days. But now I think about how far I’ve come and how this time last year I would have struggled to even bring in one fish never mind the multiple fish I brought into the boat. 

In the past year I’ve learned to skate again. I’ve learned to do a push up. I’ve learned to push myself and I’ve gotten so much stronger. I’ve learned to control my hand and make it more functional than it has ever been before. I’ve trusted the process. I’ve worked so hard to get to where I am. I’ve trusted josh to push me and help me to become stronger than I have ever been before. I do things today I never thought I’d ever do again. 

I’ve learned that nothing is impossible. If you want something bad enough you will achieve it. You just have to trust the process and be willing to push through the tough stuff to get to the other side. It’s not always easy but it is worth it. I promise that no matter what it is you are fighting that when you win, whether a small win or a big win, it is worth celebrating. 

It’s crazy that two years have gone by. It feels like yesterday but it also feels like ten years ago. It’s been a crazy uphill battle but the many small wins I have achieved make it all worth it! I’ve had wins both physically and mentally. Physically I have achieved plenty. Mentally I’ve achieved self love. The love of travel. I’ve explored. I’ve been to concerts. I spent the best weekend in Toronto watching three jays games and a raptors game. I’ve graduated with another degree. I’ve done the unthinkable. Ive told my story and tried to inspire others to never give up. I’ve done the things they told me I couldn’t do. I’ve done things  I never thought I could do. 

So here’s to the years that have gone and here are to the year ahead! Here’s to never giving up and always fighting. Nothing great was ever easy.