I pen this as the Shake-A-Leg program draws to a close its fourth of five weeks. I have been motivated in many different activities, most of which challenge me. My Occupational Therapist has used various tactics to encourage the use of my oft-neglected left hand. To that end, she restrained my right hand and then asked me to teach her to play chess. Setting up the pieces was more difficult than pushing them into place.
In Strength and Conditioning (S&C), I have worked out extensively on elliptical trainers. These are like the newest wave of Nordic Trak aerobic-cardio machines. They are very challenging, but create negligible impact. (Impact is the factor that prevents me from engaging in things such as jogging, because the resultant jarring of the brain can be detrimental to my health.) In S&C I have strengthened up enough that now I feel comfortable doing pushups and assisted pull-ups again!
The many massages I receive provide a great balance for the stresses on my body! Thankfully the program directors here know very well that bodywork maintains and restores harmony during intense therapy.
The single best event occurred yesterday (7/9/2003) while in aquatic therapy. After several disappointing sessions in the pool where flotation was extremely difficult, my therapist suggested I try the crawl or freestyle swimming. Since much of my muscle memory has faded away, I expected another disappointment. Instead, I surprised myself. I am still an able-bodied swimmer! Although my abilities in the pool are not the best–nor as good as they used to be–Im happy that I can swim once again. I am no longer afraid of large bodies of water.
I have tried to express my immense gratitude to each donor/contributor that helped me to attend this summer therapy, but Id like to state again the fact that the support I have received from friends, relatives , and even former teachers was unbelievable. Many people openly doubted that I could raise the $6000 I needed for this rehabilitation program. But with the individual support of each of you, I have accomplished more than even I thought possible.
With only one more week to go, I have a chance to reflect on how far I have come, as well as how much further I need to continue. With the incredible support and assistance I have received and still receive, I believe that very little can stand in my way for a full recovery from a life-changing injury I suffered just one year ago.
Be well.
This site was originally created to chronicle my status beginning at the time of my snowboarding accident in New Zealand on July 5, 2002. Now, this is where I occasionally post things that are of interest to me. 
{Karlton Bontrager} 