My brain fog is really bad today (along with all my other symptoms), so this is more difficult than usual. But I'm tired of sitting around in the dark by myself doing nothing, so I have to post.

Here are some survival stories. The details are gruesome, but the overall message in each case is one of hope. These stories show us just how much we are capable of enduring and still bouncing back.

1. Viktor Frankl

Viktor Frankl spent two-and-a-half years in concentration camps and managed to survive by the skin of his teeth. His family members were not as fortunate. After his liberation, he went on to become one of the most successful and influential psychiatrists in the world. He is the author of the book Man's Search for Meaning, which is the best book on suffering I've ever read.

http://www.amazon.com/Mans-Search-Me...8839710&sr=8-1

2. James Stockdale

James Stockdale was a POW in Vietnam for seven-and-a-half years, including four years in solitary confinement. He was subjected to shockingly brutal treatment. After this incredible ordeal, he somehow managed to publish several books and become Ross Perot's vice presidential candidate in 1992.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Stockdale

3. Louis Zamperini

At the beginning of the 1940s, Louis Zamperini was poised to win an Olympic gold medal and become the first person to ever break the 4-minute mile. Instead of going to the 1940 Olympics, which were canceled, he was later drafted into WWII. In early 1943, his plane was shot down over the Pacific Ocean and he and a fellow soldier spent 47 days on a life raft with no provisions. After drifting over 1000 miles, he was captured by the Japanese and spent the next 2 years under horrific conditions in Japanese POW camps. After the war, he eventually managed to forgive his tormentors and go on to live a long and fulfilling life. His tale is the subject of Laura Hillenbrand's book Unbroken:

http://www.amazon.com/Unbroken-World...8840355&sr=8-1

We in this forum are undergoing horrible suffering of a different kind--but it is terrible nonetheless. But our suffering will not last forever, and while some of us may not recover 100%, the vast majority of us will recover much of what we have lost. Even if you have lost your career (as is looking more and more likely in my case), there is always hope for you to rebuild your life after your injury. There is no telling who you might meet, what opportunities might greet you, or what wonderful experiences you may yet have. You might grow in wonderful and unexpected ways. You may discover a hidden talent or a new interest.

Do not lose hope that you can rebuild your life and find meaning and contentment again. We are in a dark time, but like those people I mentioned above, we have the power to rise above our circumstances and come out on the other end of our ordeals as better people.

Pete

These are some very good and inspirational stories you posted...Thanks!

...and your so right. Its just getting through this dark time that is the hardest....it just doesn't seem like there is a light at the end of the tunnel at times. Thank you for the stories you posted and the encouraging words to follow them.

This actually kinda made my day.

P.S. Your not the only one hiding out in the dark tonight. I'm laying here doing the same...browsing from my dimly lit smart phone...hahaha...and my day has probably gone the same as your's.

Way to go, Xanadu. Way to mess up MY pity party!

We've had a rough start to 2012 with 2 break-ins in our garage losing $8000 in tools the first time and a $10,000 Harley the 2nd time. Insurance denied the first claim and the 2nd is pending. We moved from our home of 23 years to one of our smaller rentals so it is easier for hubby to get around and less stairs for him to fall on, etc. Thus, Farm Bureau says they won't pay because we weren't occupying the house at that time. Nevermind we are out there 3 - 5 times every week doing stuff...

So, I've gone from feeling completely overwhelmed to slightly beyond completely overwhelmed.

So I thank you for your timely reminder (I know it was directed at those of you with PCS, but I have PCS by association ).

Amy,

Wow, I'm sorry to hear about your struggles. That has to be hard to deal with on top of your husbands struggles with PCS. I hope things turn around for you guys real soon.

A couple survival stories from mountaineering.... I think there are movies and books. But you might be able to find details on Wikipedia or something.

1) Touching the Void - guy fell into a crevasse and dragged himself across a boulder field with one (maybe two?) broken legs to find help

2) 127 hours - dude trapped by a boulder all by himself who ended up CUTTING OFF HIS OWN ARM to escape

3) Beck Weathers was left for dead but survived the 1996 Everest disaster - depicted in the IMAX film Everest and the book Into Thin Air