Inspiration Part 2
http://www.setthestageforsuccess.com/articles/22693/1/Inspiration-Part-2/Page1.html
Denise Kennard
Denise is the co-owner and administrator of Competent Care Home Health Nursing in Costa Mesa, California. She has over twenty years of experience in home health nursing, in both bedside care and managerial roles. Denise is a member of California Association for Health Services at Home and serve in two committees. She is also a member of National Association of Women Business Owners and the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce.By Denise Kennard
Published on 10/25/2008
I wrote last week about an inspiring young man that I know—Tom. As you
may recall, Tom was born with muscular dystrophy. When I met him, his
disease had progressed to the point of complete paralysis and
dependence on a ventilator to breathe. What inspires me about Tom was
that even the most severe of setbacks didn’t stop him from pursuing his
dreams.
I wrote last week about an inspiring young man that I know—Tom. As you may recall, Tom was born with muscular dystrophy. When I met him, his disease had progressed to the point of complete paralysis and dependence on a ventilator to breathe. What inspires me about Tom was that even the most severe of setbacks didn’t stop him from pursuing his dreams.
When Tom was a baby, his parents were told he would only live to be two. The two’s came and went as well as the five’s, ten’s, and so on. During this time, home health care was emerging, and people with complex medical requirements, who formerly weren’t able to survive outside a hospital, were finding new life made possible, in their homes with their families. Tom became one of the many people who thrived at home with the assistance of nursing care.
But I've only told you the beginning of the story. Tom fought his way over all his obstacles and finished high school. When Tom graduated, with honors, the big question was asked by everyone…what will you do now? "Well, college, of course," was his answer. And that’s exactly what he did. Tom went to community college for 3 years and received his AA Degree. After that, he attended a local university and earned a BA in Finance. All this from a boy the doctors had said would only live to be two!
During these college years, Tom watched his friends marry and begin having children. This, at first, was a hard pill for him to swallow. He wanted to be happy for them, yet he was saddened that he had no one to share life with. He wanted the same love his friends had found, but his wheelchair seemed to scare the average girl away.
Despite his loneliness, Tom decided to go on with his normal life. Defying all odds, he moved out on his own. No one thought he could pull it off and survive, but he did. With the help of HUD and a disability check, he was able to make it. All the while, he was receiving 24 hour nursing care and thriving.
Tom's new life was not idle! He began a home-based business and filled his free time with Chess Club, raising exotic pets, and collecting movies and music. Then one day he met Lisa, who became the love of his life. This sweet and beautiful girl was just like Tom. She was also dependent on a wheelchair and ventilator. They were soon married, and today remain healthy, happy, and the cutest couple I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.
Tom and Lisa’s lives continue to be an inspiration to me and to all those they meet. I encourage you to get to know courageous, cheerful people like Tom and Lisa. We all need to take a lesson from those who overcome difficulties and find happiness. Who is your inspiration?
When Tom was a baby, his parents were told he would only live to be two. The two’s came and went as well as the five’s, ten’s, and so on. During this time, home health care was emerging, and people with complex medical requirements, who formerly weren’t able to survive outside a hospital, were finding new life made possible, in their homes with their families. Tom became one of the many people who thrived at home with the assistance of nursing care.
But I've only told you the beginning of the story. Tom fought his way over all his obstacles and finished high school. When Tom graduated, with honors, the big question was asked by everyone…what will you do now? "Well, college, of course," was his answer. And that’s exactly what he did. Tom went to community college for 3 years and received his AA Degree. After that, he attended a local university and earned a BA in Finance. All this from a boy the doctors had said would only live to be two!
During these college years, Tom watched his friends marry and begin having children. This, at first, was a hard pill for him to swallow. He wanted to be happy for them, yet he was saddened that he had no one to share life with. He wanted the same love his friends had found, but his wheelchair seemed to scare the average girl away.
Despite his loneliness, Tom decided to go on with his normal life. Defying all odds, he moved out on his own. No one thought he could pull it off and survive, but he did. With the help of HUD and a disability check, he was able to make it. All the while, he was receiving 24 hour nursing care and thriving.
Tom's new life was not idle! He began a home-based business and filled his free time with Chess Club, raising exotic pets, and collecting movies and music. Then one day he met Lisa, who became the love of his life. This sweet and beautiful girl was just like Tom. She was also dependent on a wheelchair and ventilator. They were soon married, and today remain healthy, happy, and the cutest couple I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.
Tom and Lisa’s lives continue to be an inspiration to me and to all those they meet. I encourage you to get to know courageous, cheerful people like Tom and Lisa. We all need to take a lesson from those who overcome difficulties and find happiness. Who is your inspiration?