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Tegan after the accident

It’s just me. Not me in a wheelchair.

Added 22 January 2009 at 5:55pm AEST by buttered 265 8 Comments 8

Labels: Survivor, On the way home, Country Town, Seat belt, Passenger, Yourself

It was Mothers Day. I was meant to go and see mum but we decided to go bush bashing first. Me and my boyfriend were in the back of a 4 wheel drive. It was great fun for a while then things just got out of hand. The last thing I remember was my boyfriend yelling at the driver to slow down.

Then I woke up in hospital. I knew things were serious. My parents were really upset. They told me I’d never be able to walk again. I’m a C5 paraplegic. I have some use of my arms and hands. Now I need a helper to come to my unit to help me shower.

I had started a hair dressing apprenticeship. I loved it. But that’s just not a possibility anymore. I used to love going out dancing. I still go out sometimes if I know it’s not going to be too crowded. I get a reality check when I see people dancing and think, ‘Yeah, I used to do that.’ People look at me differently now. Treat me differently. They feel sorry for me. I’ve lost friends who just don’t know what to say to me. I think, ‘It’s just me. Not me in a wheelchair.’

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Comments:

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Rick said: April 10, 2009
6:55 am

Hi Tegan... your story meant a lot to me. I have commented about your story on this site before but I'd just like to know how you are coping?

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Paul said: April 10, 2009
8:56 am

Your story is very moving and very honest. The following three quotes will help you focus on your future. QUOTE 1 - "You cannot change your past but you can choose your future." QUOTE 2 - "THE FUTURE IS NOT SOME PLACE WE ARE GOING BUT ONE WE ARE CREATING. THE PATHS TO THE FUTURE ARE NOT FOUND BUT MADE & THE MAKING OF THOSE PATHWAYS CHANGES BOTH THE MAKER AND THE DESTINATION." QUOTE 3 - "Each problem has hidden in it an opportunity so powerful that it literally dwarfs the problem." You can become anything you want to be! You just have to believe in yourself and surround yourself with people who believe in you. Anything is possible!

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Brad said: April 13, 2009
10:05 pm

You're such an inspiration. Your strength is amazing, and you are a real credit to your parents, if I saw you out, I'd definitely buy you a drink. :)

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brett said: April 15, 2009
1:08 am

Mate, just be strong, remember that you can do anything you put your mind to, don't dwell in the past, get on with life and lets hope other people will learn from your story

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andrew said: April 17, 2009
12:03 am

hey tegan, i really dont know what to say im not often lost for words I would never tell anyone i know how they feel unless ive been thru wat they have. i was in an accident three years ago myself and im almost unharmed apart from very bad facial lacerations that i sustained from going thru the windscreen. ive had a tough few years after the accident, mentally its been very difficult but your situation just puts me to shame. you are an inspiration and the kind of person i wish i could be, i would love to keep in contact and maybe even meet you oneday! come for a holiday to the goldie! take care x

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tegan said: April 30, 2009
1:05 pm

hey guys, thanks for all your comments. im coping fine. iv got it good from all ends. i still go out do my own thing. got my own house and i found a lovely boyfriend whilst being in a wheelchair. i dont let people bring me down. iv always got a smile on my dial. means a lot to know there's people out there that care, iv had a couple of people come up to me and ask if im acting which is pretty sad people can be so naive about situations like this. hope i answered any more questions feel free to ask thanks teags x

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Gavin said: May 22, 2009
6:50 pm

WhenI first saw your story on the TV, your strength uplifted me. You are one of those people who have done something very wonderful with a bad situation. After reading your full story I was deeply touched. I thank you so much for sharing your story. You really are a strong person and I would love to hear more.

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Ings said: June 30, 2009
10:33 am

Tegan! Was awesome meeting you the other night. I loved how you were dancing & enjoying the night as best you could. It was a good night hanging out with you! Catch up soon x

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