Sitting Tall
My friend Casey started a podcast with his friend Tony. It’s called sitting tall. It’s available on Spotify and YouTube. I’ll include links at the bottom.
I’m extremely proud of them because I know how difficult the littlest thing can be and how easy it is to give up when almost everyone around you is telling you it’s ok if you can’t do something. Some have people encouraging them and some don’t. But almost everyone makes you feel like giving up is acceptable or expected.
Some view disabled people as weak because they need help but I see most of them as some of the strongest people that I ever met. Not only because of everything that they have bravely endured, coping with so many big changes in their life and being patient while helping their loved ones adapt too. But most importantly because of the many things they figure out another way to do. Sure you suddenly can’t do certain things but some people figure out another way to do them. It’s that sheer determination that I love. When you can easily just give up and have everyone do stuff for you, some people work so hard to do it themselves. I really admire that.
Most brain and spinal injuries basically erase your ability to do certain things. Like being reborn and relearning things except, unlike a toddler, a lot of injured people have so many memories of being able to do it easily before. The mental aspect hinders you as well as the physical. It’s so very frustrating.
That’s one reason I like going to therapy. They know what is possible and push you to do it. And you feel safe trying things because you are so confident in these wonderful people! Yes it sucks being like this! Trust me we know! You just want to try to make the best of a bad situation. It’s so frustrating sometimes, needing to try so hard to do simple things that other people don’t have to think much about. I was doing something earlier that would normally take minutes but took me an hour and I got hurt 😂 How pathetic is that?
I met Casey at therapy around 8 years ago and was very intrigued. For years, I had been surrounded by people who were being coaxed to even try and often felt like I was trying way too hard. I was always joking around with people but most around me acted like it wasn’t a time to be laughing. That never stopped me but that and striving for better made me feel like I was alone. Like I was supposed to be serious and act sick.
Casey was always so determined and tried everything he was asked to. Even things that people thought were impossible. Joking around through it all. Even when you knew that he was struggling. He made me see that it was totally acceptable to be goofy. I have watched him make so many advancements over the years and he never ceases to amaze everyone. I believe that a lighthearted and positive spirit makes such a big difference in recovery and everyone around you.
Almost everyone you’ll ever meet has been through some kind of trauma and deserve your kindness. Some trauma just isn’t visible.
The biggest thing that most people try to hold on to is their dignity. So please understand that a disabled person might need help like a toddler but we really want to do as much as possible. Physically we might move like children but mentally we’re an adult.
I know people mean well being extra nice and I appreciate those people so much! Please don’t ever stop! The world needs more of you! But recipients often get too comfortable with people doing everything for them and know that if they easily bail on anything, it would be very ok and understandable. That’s why I’m so proud of these guys. I know it’s so hard following through with something when everyone around you would completely understand if you couldn’t.
They are a great mix of stubborn determination! Congratulations on your podcast! You should be very proud!
The blurb describing the podcast:
We are two friends linked by trauma. I, Casey was paralyzed almost 10 years ago that left me a quadriplegic. Tony had a motorcycle accident almost 5 years ago that left him a paraplegic. We want to create a space safe and interview people from all walks of life, whether able bodied or disable. We just want to highlight people doing great things. Hope you enjoy !
On YouTube
https://youtu.be/ME8E1Q5Dm6g
On Spotify
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2143465
Casey’s story:
There have been several written about him but this is my favorite because it was written by him:
https://yoocanfind.com/Story/808/just-keep-rolling-life-after-spinal-cord-injury#!
There are tons of hits on Google about Casey and I tried searching for Tony’s story to share but he seems to be the mysterious type 😂
So Tony….please send me a link or feel free to write your full story, I’ll post it and then you’ll have a link. If Casey likes you, you must be cool. And Casey, my favorite story is old. Maybe you can write a new one for me?
Please check out their podcast!
Best of luck to you guys! 😘🤗
