Coming Back to Life

Monday, August 17th, was my last day at Pate Rehabilitation. I would like to thank all my therapists and techs who helped me along the way. It has been a long journey. I was there for almost a year, and they have helped me so much! So again, many thanks. The next step in my journey will be outpatient therapy two days a week at Harris Methodist HEB Hospital at their physical medicine and rehabilitation program.

This past Friday I was given the chance to share my story with a group of people from my rehab facility. It made me feel very good to have this opportunity to not only get my story out there, but get the experience I will need to eventually speak at high schools and youth groups. I got a great response from my therapists and fellow patients. Some were moved by my presentation. This does not surprise me at the least. It just makes me feel good inside to know all I went through can maybe help someone, and now I'm seeing it actually coming to fruition.

About a year ago this week I was having tendon lengthening surgery on both legs, and each finger on the right hand. The day after my surgery was my birthday the 17th. When my mom walked in the room I just started crying because I was in so much pain. Now we fast forwarded just one year later, and it's hard to believe all the progress I have made! I think Jesus for His miraculous healing by Him, in the wonderful surgeons and physical therapists he placed around me. Then on August 28th I had to repeat the whole thing over again on the left-hand. Not as painful, but still very uncomfortable. After the surgery I had to wear casts on both feet for six weeks. Then after that I had to wear ankle foot orthotics for six months. I could not use my hands or bear weight on them for at least six weeks. Then I had to relearn everything you might take for granted like eating, bathing, brushing your teeth, personal grooming... you get the picture. And I have a wonderful mother to thank for all ...

I am a miracle and I’d like to share my story with you. At 5:15 a.m. on January 17, 2008, as a result from a drug overdose from taking Xanax , Ambien , and Methodone , my mom found me unconscious in my bed, covered in vomit, barely breathing. I was totally unresponsive and barely alive. Let me tell you how I got there. I grew up in a Christian home with loving parents. My parents took me on vacations every summer. They taught me the importance of having a relationship with God. As a teenager, I played in the church orchestra and even lead worship for the church youth group. Throughout high school, I made A’s and B’s in my classes. I was also an active member of my high school band, playing percussion and competing in prestigious competitions. From 2003 to 2008, I became addicted to drugs, which ranged from meth , marijuana, heroin, cocaine and prescription drugs. I made several attempts in those five years to stay clean, but I would always get back into drugs. My dad passed away su...