Setting goals for Kyle was a weekly occurrence with the therapists at Shepherd Center. I was always included, every Tuesday at the whiteboard, where we wrote them down. We strove for small victories every week, but as the weeks went on I remember becoming very adamant about one goal in particular. I took a stance and told them he
would be walking out of that hospital. No wheelchair coming to our house! I don't ever remember doubting that.
"Goals transform insurmountable mountains into walkable hills." ~ Unknown
I've always had goals growing up as an athlete. And I've always had a fierce competitive streak. For
me the two go hand in hand. So the fact that Alex and Kyle grew up immersed in sports and competition and goals convinces me that so much of that upbringing played a huge role in Kyle's physical rehabilitation.
Never was I more grateful for this than when we all watched and supported daily, Kyle's every small but signifcant movement. And as they grew into bigger movements, that competitive nature kicked in, both from Kyle's standpoint but also from Alex's drive to always be there helping Kyle reach those goals, and from Greg's ever persistent "
C'mon Kyle, thumbs up, thumbs up." (the very first response that was necessary to show us he was on his way back.)
As we just passed the two year mark of Kyle's accident, I looked back at his hand and arm therapy in Atlanta, and along with sharing some of those memories, I also want to share some
unseen photos of Kyle's continuing arm and hand therapy back here in Virginia.
All of the determination I see in these photos has led Kyle to where he is today. So I am proud to say he is now ready to compete in his first
Tough Mudder endurance event!
The Tough Mudder is this weekend, and until recently, Kyle had been worried about letting his team mates down (Alex, Hollis, Bongiovi and Gabany). Thinking he may hold them back, he was almost to the point of not competing. Now instead, even through a painful knee, he puts on his running shoes daily and hits the road to the gym to make
sure he's the best he can be for them.
"Good luck, Kyle! You got this!"
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| July 1, 2014 ~ "Thumbs up, dude!" |
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June 2014 Tough Mudder ~ #PrayforKyle
Alex, Hollis, and Bongiovi |
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| July 4 ~ "Never Never Give Up" ~ With Tucker Karl |
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| July 7 |
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| July 9 |
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| July 9 |
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| July 9 |
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| July 9 |
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| July 9 |
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| July 11 |
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| July 16 |
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| July 16 |
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| July 19 |
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| July 22 |
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| August 1 |
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| August 9 ~ An "official" thumbs up for Ford, who sponsered Kyle's auto competition the month before his accident. |
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| August 17 |
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| Oct 22 ~ Pet Therapy and (after 5 months) discharging in two more days! |
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| Dec 30 ~ Back to Atlanta, prepping for HO surgery |
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| Jan 2, 2015 |
"I don't know, which one is easier?"
Back Home in VA
Inova Loudon Left Hand and Arm therapy
Each and every small victory has brought Kyle that much closer to his goals. He fought a battle that most thought he'd never be capable of. We watched as his goals became attainable day after day, week after week, and now two years later he is still going strong.
"Kyle, keep pushing beyond the limits of what you are currently capable of, and you will always come out ahead. Push through your frustrations, your discouraging days, and all the ups and downs, and make it the best life you can. Take that bull by the horns and go enjoy your first Tough Mudder with Alex. He was always by your side, and will always have your back. We'll be there supporting you as always ~ Mom
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| February 2016 |
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| And keep smiling that beautiful smile! ♥ |
