I’ve reached a point where I’ve hit a wall, I feel. This has been going on for too long and I’m just sick and tired of it. But, if I give up now, I lose and I was and still am not one to give in or give up. So where do I go from here?
I only have one option; put my head down and push through it. It’s the only thing I know to do. Because, if not, all the work I have done for the past 4 1/2 years is for nothing. It doesn’t make it any easier that I think I’m on the verge of yet another break-through. I feel I’m almost to the point of starting to use the walker at home, not just at therapy.
While I’m sitting here writing this, my son, Corbin is sitting next to me eating breakfast. What 4 year old boy do you know that asks to listen to Gypsy Kings? For all of you saying “WHO IS THAT?” that is the concert I took Allison to when we were “just friends.” The crazy thing is that not only does Corbin know the group, but he also knows the words to most of their songs in Spanish. When I see him singing and dancing to their music, it just makes me happier than I know what to do or how to explain it. He is one of the reasons I keep going down this road; the other is my gift of a wife. Like I’m sure Allison has said before, I just don’t know why she stayed, but now I see and I think I finally grasp, if not just a little understanding why.
Shifting gears back to my recovery, you all know that super therapist named Candy? Well, on Friday, I didn’t have her on my schedule, but I’ve started working this hallway/tunnel that goes from Shepherd under Peachtree St. to other side. Although Candy isn’t usually there on Fridays, she was there this past one. She jumped in on my session to the “blue carpet hallway;” a change in plans. Did I mention that the tunnel is downhill to start then flattens out halfway through only to start climbing to get to other side? Needless to say, it’s not an easy way to cross Peachtree St. even if you are an able bodied person. It’s quite the full body workout and I say full body for me since I depend on my arms a lot still to support my upper body. But, every time I do it, it seems to be getting a little easier.
I know this post is quite scattered like my thoughts, so that is all folks. Do me a favor though? If you read this, even if you don’t want to make a comment, will you at least sign your name so I know people are actually reading this? If no one reads it, than I feel it’s a waste of time. Allison assures me that people do read it, but I’m not convinced.
Danny,
I check your blog on a regular basis. I love to read about the progress you are making. Keep pushing on and you will end up where you want to be. Allison stayed because she loves you. If you can grasp how much she loves you just imagine how much more your Heavenly Father loves you! Hold on to that thought! I’ll be keeping you in my prayers!
~Lisa 🙂
Danny- we remember when just standing was an all night therapy session and now you’re walking the blue carpet hallway. The Lord has brought you this far for a reason, so keep up the hard work! We love you.
I keep up with your blog and you guys remain in our prayers. Keep fighting! You can do it!
Erin
Danny – I still check on you, often. Even though we have moved from Atlanta, I keep up with you and Allison and Corbin. You can do it man, you’ve come so far. You’re strength and fortitude is an inspiration. Jamie
You know I am reading it baby! I love you.
Keep your eyes on the goal – the goal – the goal! You will get there because you can. You did a great job on the posting and I am glad that you see the blessings in your every own home. You are blessed!!! Mom
Danny,
I know it’s been a while since we’ve talked, but I just watched your video on Facebook of you walking upstairs and was blown away. I’m so proud of your progress. I hate that I live in Tennessee and have not been able to be stay in better touch with you. I’ve been missing all of you a lot lately. Watching your video and reading your posts brought tears to my eyes because you have come so far and I know this whole process has been extremely difficult for you physically, emotionally, and spiritually. You are an incredible man, father, and husband to keep fighting and I am proud to call you my friend. I’m sorry I’ve been out of touch lately, but I’m going to try to do better. Candace and I will be at the Good Friday service next week so hopefully I’ll see you there and maybe even go out to eat afterwards. I love you, Aly, and Corbin so much and hopefully I’ll see you next week!
Hi Danny.
I’m a first time reader and friend of Lou Alvarado.
Sometimes writing about your frustrations is worthwhile even if nobody else is going to read it. It helps you formulate more clearly in your mind what is bothering you, and then you can let it go… Still better to have an audience if you can get one.
So, I felt your pain today, and I wish you better days in the future. Might as well hang in there and appreciate the things that are going well, surmount the hurdles you can, and leave the things that can’t be changed behind. (Much easier said than done, of course). Hang in there my friend.
Gary
Danny, I know that tunnel all too well-usually everyone hates it because it is such a challenge. Bravo to you that it is actually getting easier. It truly is amazing how much progress you are making so many years after your accident. It is rare that the body makes so much improvement after the first year. Of course we all know your secret-God is strengthening your body, mind and spirit. Praying for you and your amazing family!
Hi Danny,
Just read your story and blog…I got your name from Lou Alvarado and the MNMG newsletter. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and struggles.
I am with Corbin…I love the Gypsy Kings!!! I will be praying for you and your family. Blessings,
Steve
Hello Danny,
I read you blog regularly. I pray for you daily. May God richly bless you and your beautiful family. (You know my daughter Angela Wells Rodriguez from Mt. Paran.) Have a blessed day!
Jennifer Wells
Hi Danny,
I keep up with your progress and think about you and your family quite often. You all are amazing and an inspiration to everybody. Keep pushing.
Your friend,
Tracy
We’re reading Danny! I’ve been following,praying, and thinking of you and Ali from the very beginning. I am so, so, so proud of you Danny. It was great and heartbreaking to follow Allison’s posts all this time, and Danny, you are right, she is one wonderful-strong lady. Keep up the hard work,and keep writing, it is wonderful to hear how you are doing….from you!
Danny,
We have been reading the blog and website since we found out about your injury. Keep up the hard work.Youand your family remain in our prayers.
Blessings,
Donna Hunter McCoy
Danny,
I have kept up with the website for years. I have not read it in the last 6 months, but after seeing you this week….I am reminded again of the miracle you are! I think you looked great! I look forward to being in touch with you!
Love you boy,
Kelli
Hi Danny,
I am just now reading your blog. I have only heard your story via Shawn, but after seeing you again at Nikki’s funeral I wanted to reconnect. Saw your wife on facebook through Shawn’s page. I looked through all her photos and then found your blog. On the verge of speechless really. You all have been through more than anyone I know, and in my 35 years I have seen a lot of heartache. But your displayed strength of you and your family has me awe struck. Please keep writing this blog, I am sure you are touching and helping people you will never know about. I will keep reading so please keep writing. I have three kids (6, 3, and 2) so if your boy ever wants a play date, just let me know. Again, it was really good to see you last week.
Hi Danny,
You don’t know me, but I know you (well, I know of you). I was Allison’s trainer in Scottsdale, AZ (CVS Caremark) when she was pregnant with Corbin. I heard all about you in class and now I read all about you and your family. I cry almost everytime I read your stories, not because its sad but because I wish I could be as strong as you and Allison. I admire your love for each other and hope and wish that I can find someone to stand by me in share my life like the two of you. Take care of each other and keep on writing about your lives!!!
Rebecca Sabetta
Scottsdale, AZ
Hey Danny,
I keep up with your blogs all the time. I just saw on Facebook you walking up the stairs….OMG!!!! That is amazing. You are amazing! My thoughts and prayers are constantly with you and Alison. Talk to you soon!
Much Love,
Scarlett
We read! Love keeping up with your progress and are praying for you all!
Danny
I think about you often. Glad to see you fighting so hard. Praying for you, Allison and Corbin.
Take care.
Justin
Hi – hang in there this is my first time reading this blog and I was inspired by your story.. Hang in there you are doing a lot better than a lot of people. Your story is inspiring to us all. My sister is in a coma and one day she will be in the place you are now, working hard to the place you are now. So keep your head up and chin forward you will make it. Be blessed
Thanks for sharing
I read it, and I know you will make it through this hard time. He will never leave or forsake you. I will keep you in my prayers also. Keep writing.
Hi,
I read a post that Allison had written on the CVS/MyLife and she had mentioned this site. I had a few minutes in my day, so I stopped by, I hope you don’t mind. I will definitely bookmark this site and check back. Your family has an Amazing spirit and is an inspiration. I will keep you in my prayers.
Travis
Keep on keeping on D-Bo. I will be coming to the page frequently to see what’s going on and hear what’s on your mind. Praying and believing with you…
Dear Danny,
I know this has been a long journey for you, but as you keep going, as if to win the race, there are many along side you cheering you on. I have not seen you more than a couple of times since high school, but you and your family are forever in my memories and I will cherish them all. May God bless you beyond words as you walk out this trial in life and may He also bring people along side you to walk it through with you! God bless my old friend, God Bless!
It’s almost a year later, Danny, but I am reading this! I just found you guys through the MPCS fundraiser- I went to middle school with Allison (and you, in a diff grade) Keep up the good work!
Danny–
One of my dear friends was just in a horrible diving accident and has injured his spine. He is being moved to Shepherd this week so I wanted to check the place out, and I wandered upon your blog. It has given me inspiration that my friend, as well as the rest of us (his friends and family) can make it through this. Right now they are anticipating that he will never walk again, but I am looking to the day that he proves them all wrong and STRUTS across that “blue carpet hallway.” Keep up the great work and inspiring stories. Praying for you, and hope that you can manage a small prayer for my friend as well.
Thanks!
Becky
Hi Danny,
We do read,please keep up this difficult task and you will overcome!
Danny I just saw your story on TV this morning on Dr. Trudy’s show. Allison really moved me with her passion to stay focused with God’s strength. This is the first time I heard of your terrible accident and the trials you and your family have experienced and obviously are surpassing one at a time. I so admire you and your wife for moving forward one day at a time. I’m sure you have inspired many people with your story and continue to do so. We all have struggles in our lives, some people like yourself have larger and longer struggles than others. There are always the why and how questions: why did this happen to me?, how am I going to get through this? I have always gotten strength through leaning on God even though I haven’t got my questions answered. I imagine some day, once I pass, i may get the answers to all my questions. We can only see such a small piece of the big picture that even if we were given answers we may not fully understand them.
I’m writing in your blog since you requested if people are reading your entries, please respond even if you just write your name. So I did a little more than that.
Please keep focused on your son, from what you have written he is a powerful force in your life, as well as Allison. Your son may be the ultimate person in your life that will inspire you to continue the fight to approach each day as another chance to excel and life passionately within the limits that you now experience. Keep focused and lean on others when you need support. We all are here to help one another. Marcia
I’m a few years behind but all I can say at this point is wow. I’m so honored to work with you now and to be a part of Shepherd daily.