Wednesday, September 5, 2007

Slower Than a Tortoise

Hey guys! I had a pretty uplifting moment today. I was in my wheelchair for Occupational Therapy and I self-propelled myself four feet in a mere five minutes. Felt pretty good, though it totally spent my arms, and then I was done. But I feel amazing that it happened. Every step counts or in this case every push. I will be racing the elderly in no time!

Cheers!
Joel

35 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hey there Mr. B...
Was just in bed, but can't sleep and am thinking about you...so wanted to say hello. I can't believe I haven't seen you in TWO WEEKS. But, I am really looking forward to the movie on Sunday.

So just a quick note to say hey.

xoxo
Richelle

Anonymous said...

Wow, that is fantastic to hear Joel! Keep it up - we are all cheering your progress!

kel!

Kirby said...

Good job Joel! Hope to stop by quick today sometime to drop off some goodies (don't worry they are all healthy!)

See yah!
Kirb

Anonymous said...

That is a super exciting accomplishment Joel!!!!
:)
Jeni

Anonymous said...

So proud of you!!!!!!
JS

Anonymous said...

You know, Joel... I have the advantage of being able to see you regularly and watch your amazing progress but when I read your comment this morning it put a BIG smile on my face. What an inspirational way to start the day!

My days are filled with the usual work issues and the like. Your message makes me realize how important it is to remember the "baby steps" that result in big accomplishments. Way to go!

K.

Brandy said...

I'm not surprised,your awesome.I am so excited to hear that you are making such great progress.Good work!

cathy said...

Fantastic!!! That's awesome Joel, look out for those old people though - make sure the lanes are well defined, they don't always go straight you know...

Keep up the good work - I will drop off the banana guard soon! I haven't forgot about it.

Unknown said...

Hey BD,

Dude, AWESOME! Keept it real. See you soon.

Anonymous said...

Keep on rolling Joel! We are cheering for you with every turn of the wheels!

Leslie and Carolyn

Anonymous said...

Yeah Joel!!! That's a big deal! Do you want to get a sponsor to put on the back of your chair?

Anonymous said...

Thats awsome buddy. Sounds like your gonna give the oldies a run for their money. Make sure you place some bets and you could be making a killing. Be by to see ya soon.

Kevin B

Anonymous said...

Hey Joel,
This is Sasha Sadlemyer. As you are aware I am a teacher and I am currently starting a unit on safety prevention. I teach them alot about spinal cord injuries and the importance of being safe. WE discuss Rick Hansen, and my grandma's accident a lot. I think the more real life experiences you can share with the kids, the more they understand the importance of safety. I was just wondering if I could tell the kids about your story? I would love to share your experience with my students. We have access to 15 laptops within my classroom so I would love to play your "CBC" interview to the students. PLease email me at hosie2@hotmail.com if this is ok with you!!!!!

I would also one day if you are comfortable with it for you to come and talk with them!But i will ask for one thing at time!!

Thanks!!
Sasha

Anonymous said...

HI JOEL
We will take you on in the race for the elderly even though we are not quite there yet. haha Great to hear that you are doing a little better. Gordie and myself have been busy this summer. out to the coast to see Danette and her girls, up in Calgary to visit Jim and Aline Where does the time go. Talked to your mom a couple of weeks ago, so must phone her. We hope to come down to Regina soon we will come and see you if that is okay. In the mean time we are thinking of you always and keep up the good work.

Anonymous said...

hey,
it was nice visiting yesterday. thanks for letting us eat some of your chocolates! i have been trying to get ahold of you today because if you are up for it you and jacqui are invited to come to see the blue man show!

talk soon,
love court

Anonymous said...

Joel
This is absolutely great news - way to go! Think of you daily and you continue to be my inspiration each and every day. See you Soon
Brenda E

Anonymous said...

Awesome Joel!
Keep working hard, you already see major results :-)
Have you ever read Jean de La Fontaine's fable "Le lievre et la tortue" (see, you need to learn French!)... The hare (le lievre) is racing the tortoise (la tortue), and the slowest at the start (guess who!) got to win, because of perseverance! Keep it going, you will win your amazing race!
Get ready for your French lessons!

Mireille "Frenchie"

Anonymous said...

Fabulous Joel! You know the moral of the story - slow & steady wins the race.

Barb B

Ally B said...

AHHH!! i'm super proud of you Joel - you and I went on a bike ride today - did you notice it? I'm out in vancouver working this weekend so won't be able to come for Grandma's birthday but am counting down the days until the wedding - partly for the wedding - partly because I can't wait to see you & the rest of hte family. Wheelchair or not, you and i are having a dance party
I love you, Joel. Think of you often & take you with me always
ab

Anonymous said...

Hey Joel

After reading your entry on the blog, I thought it appropriate to share an "Erin" monment. Tonight in bed was the first time she really asked any questions about you and your progress. I wanted to keep the dialogue going so asked her if she heard people using any words that she was unsure of. She quickly answered "Well, yeah. I hear people saying about Campbell Collegiate, stuff like that." I was completely baffled and it took a few more prompts to fiure out that "Campbell Collegiate" was actually "Quadraplegic". I then shared with her your entry on the blog an she clearly hadn't realized you weren't able to roll your chair yourself. I clarified that you were learning to do it and she responded with, "Mom of course he can do it. He's just being polite. He's not going to roll away while we're there visiting him!"

Sleep well
Love Jan

Anonymous said...

J,
I spoke to my massage guy and will send you a txt with his phone number and I'll email it to Jacqui as well. He said that as long as your doctor has approved it he would be interested in treating you. Hopefully it will help with your soreness.
Great work again today in OT. You rock
Sorry to have left so quick tonight....it had nothing to do with the BM:)
My mom sends her love and says she will be up soon with a "Joan Gift". Watch out sometimes they are relly weird!
Luv ya

Anonymous said...

Hey Joel,

I just got home from a movie and checked your blog (as i do regularly!) and it put such a HUGE smile on my face to hear your news!! I am sooo happy for you.

What progress you have made and what strength you have! Its sensational! Soon you will be swimming to Oz to visit me! yay!

Sending you lots of love and of course a MASSIVE hug for congratulations!!

Clare xoxox

Anonymous said...

Our new "Man in Motion" - stay strong Joel - we're all rolling with you...

Love from Vancouver
Donna and Emily (who haas started her road trip and is presently in Kelowna soaking up the sun)

Court & Z said...

Hi Joely!! it was so great to see you at the fundraiser, you look fantastic, your spirit is beautiful and it was just so healing to be with you. I love you very much and can't wait to see you again!
court

Court & Z said...

Hi Joely!! it was so great to see you and just hang out in your digs you look fantastic, your spirit is beautiful and it was just so healing to be with you. I love you very much and can't wait to see you again!
court

Anonymous said...

Atta Boy, wicked accomplishment!

Will try to visit this weekend. You are a busy guy to track down.

Shaun Ekert

Anonymous said...

Congratulations Joel, You are now officially faster than I am. LOL Good Work!

Lisa

Dayna Gemmel said...

Hey there Joel,

I'm so proud of you. You are such an inspiration. Love you:)

Dayna

Anonymous said...

Hey Joel..This is the first time I have been able to check the blog in a few days - Such wonderful news to read tonight and we know this is just one of the many firsts you are going to experience... We think of you every day and marvel at your strength as well as your wonderful family's love and support. We will see you again soon.. I have a freezer full of muffins for you - but will wait til you need them. Love to you and hugs too.

Brenda, Lorna, Erin, Merideth and CarrieJ.

Anonymous said...

I do not have much to say, aside from the fact that you are amazing! You truly are. You amaze me every day!!!!!! seriously, I know you know -Ju

Anonymous said...

Joel;
It was so good to see you, JD, Kaley, and Donna yesterday even though it was for a brief few minutes. I just wanted to let you guys know that I think about you often and of course read the blog everyday. Keep up the good work!
S.

Anonymous said...

Great Job Joel. Your moving along so well.

-Barb, Brianna, and Brian

Anonymous said...

Good Job Joel! Your recovery sure is a speedy one so far!

Barb, Brian, and Brianna.

Anonymous said...

hi joel !FAST RECOVERY!SO ARE YOU GOING TO CALGARY ? YOU SHOULD SEE LUKE HE LOOKS OK BECAUSE HE HAD SURGERY HE HAD TO GET HIS SORE CUT OFF. AND HE HAS HIS FUR SHAVED OFF AND HAS A BIG BANDIG AND A BIG CONE ON HIS HEAD. LOVE ERIN

I LOVE YOU

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Anonymous said...

Hi Joel:

I'm back in the land of computer access and catching up on your progress through this marvelous blog. It's SO great that you're doing so well. And great as well that you're getting out and about quite a lot.

See you soon.

Love Aina