It’s just me. Not me in a wheelchair.
Added 22 January 2009 at 5:55pm AEST by buttered
20
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.’
Comments:
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?
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!
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. :)
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
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
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
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.
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
Hi Tegan
I would just like to say that you almost made me cry when I saw your clip. You are an inspiration to all young people to never give up. You may have to change your goals a bit but never give up.
I can`t believe that people ask you if you are acting.
I reckon that it would be awesome to have someone like you as a friend.
Would love to meet you and say hi.
You will be successful at what you want out of life. You are a strong person and you deserve to be a success in life. Please be strong and have the best that life has to offer. You know you can do it.
Hi Tegan, you're very brave and I just wanted to tell you that life is not over and you should always keep your head high! You have always been a star and you will keep on being a star!
hey teags. it's been a while since i shed a tear. that story truly touched me.. there's so much i would like to say, but not on a public forum.. take care and chin up girl
Wow, you're so inspirational! I look up to you as a model and would love to meet you!! I know one day, you will become successful and don't worry about what people think of you, live life to the full!!! Stay strong and i know you can live a wonderful life, which you deserve!
Speechless. What an inspiration. This wrenched my heart when I read it, not to mention seen it on TV.
Hi Tegan your story meant so much to me. i lost my cousin 3 years ,she walk in front of a truck. I would love to get to know you and share my story. Paul
Hey Tegan, I doubt you'll actually read this, but I guess it's worth a shot. Today I sorta met/listened to your story and I just wanted to say how much it actually meant to me that someone so similar to me could have something so tragic happen to them. But you might remember me from today at that chandler place. I was that person that said you dyed your hair after everyone realised you were the girl off that ad. Anyway thanks for making me want to do something with my life and I hope that you enjoy the rest of yours. Thanks, Ryan (: ps. Sorry if I was rambling on a bit - it's just you really touched me with your story.
Your strength is amazing. You are amazing. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise (:
Hi Tegan, please look on YouTube for these names: Edith Hunkeler, April Coughlin, Erica Davis Summits, Sophie Morgan, Tricia Downing, Lauren Barwick and Grace Bowman. But a special video is Amanda Boxtel, who had stem cells after her spinal cord injury and she is now jogging. A kiss in your heart.
that is real bad... makes me wanna not even drive but youre really movin and love your story. thanks very much for this warning.
Hi Tegan, I have just come home from 19 weeks in hospital I got hit by a by a car when I was riding my bike. Its left me a T4 paraplegic I am 18 and finding it hard to come to terms with the fact that i will never walk again + all the other things but reading stories like yours helps.
Cheers
Emma
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