Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Staying Strong!

It's hard to believe how much a difference a year really can make, but it so true. On this day a year ago, March 15, 2010, I had my right leg amputated below the knee, a surgery that has drastically changed my life for the better. In fact, this morning, I posted the following statement as my Facebook status:
A year ago today, I arrived at the hospital at 5:30am to have a surgery that has changed my life for the better. Today, I arrived at the gym at 5:30am to do a spinning class. Thanks to everyone who has supported me through this journey...what a ride it's been and we're just getting started! Stay Strong and LEAP!!!

The responses I received to that statement were overwhelming, and I truly do appreciate everyone's kind words. This is just another example of how much support I've had through this journey.

Recently, I have seen quite a few quotes that resonate with me and best sum up my outlook on where I've, where I'm at, and most importantly, where I'm going:

"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." - Winston Churchill

"Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed." - Booker T. Washington

"It is good to have an end to journey toward: but it is the journey that matters, in the end."

"Without dreams there is no reason to work hard. Without hard work, there is no reason to dream."


Above all these quotes, the words my doctor, Dr. Thomas Lee, relayed to me and my wife prior to surgery best sum up the transformation in my life over the past year:
"Today, you are losing nothing. You are just gaining your life back!"

He was right, I've gained my life back, but it's truly been a team effort to do so. I want to thank Dr. Lee and the great staff at OFAC; Mike Hansen and the fine people of American Orthopedis; my friends and family, especially my three ladies at home; the Darby community; and anyone else that has supported me through this journey!

Until we meet again, take care, remain positive, and stay strong!!!

Otis

2 comments:

  1. Dang. Hard to believe it's been a year since I saw the Hot Tub Time Machine. lol
    That was funny watching Lidle slide down your ice layered drive way. Anyway, I know I never talk to you about it but, to me it was a great day spending a few hours with you guys. Good to see your staying strong, moving forward to inspire and help others. God Bless talk to you soon!! KK

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  2. Mike, your RT of my GTY post led me here. So interesting that you're just a few miles away, we are both fans of Steve Farber and Jon Gordon! I've used books from each for my leadership book club at work.

    It appears you have had a challenging year, to say the least. How inspiring to feel your positivity through your words. Stay strong, stay healthy, stay positive.

    Best to you, @elbiddulph

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