DO NOT SELL THE THINGS THAT BRING YOU HAPPINESS AND JOY!

My wife, a very wise woman will not allow me to give up the things that bring joy into my life. I thank her every day. Thing is, I haven't used my 4-Wheelers for about 3 years. We've been camping a few times in the same amount of time. We used to go camping any time we had a free weekend. But we still have the camp trailer and the 4-wheelers.

Take my wife's advice. If it brings you happiness, hold on to it even if you're not able to enjoy it now. It gives you hope that better days are coming.

I like that advice. I've been debating whether I should get rid of my hockey equipment. I know I will not play the game competitively in the future, but I like to hope when I have recovered more I could go for a skate and shoot some pucks around in a safe environment. That would bring me great joy.


I'm sad to see that my original post seemed to have incited some comments others found hurtful. By no means that was not my intention and I was not trying to take away from the pain you feel or make it into a competition of who has it worse. I guess the grass is always greener on the other side.

That's interesting the point about empathy; for me its been yes and no. I have zero empathy for (healthy) people who complain about things such as how busy their day, how hard their workout at the gym was (I would give anything to be physically active again), or how "people are stupid" (as my room-mate would often complain about her work). Another pet peeve is when (otherwise healthy) people complain to me about the headache they have this one day; I find it very hard to be empathetic as I'm now at day 806 of consecutive headaches.

On the other hand; my heart breaks for anyone I hear who has got a concussion or is struggling with prolonged symptoms. I never understood how my Grandma would be tired so often and wouldn't come over for dinner, but now I know what its like to be unbearably fatigued. I previously had a hard time comprehending depression and how you just couldn't get more involved and get over it, but now I understand better the big monster that mental health can be. Really, any medical condition that limits one's daily activities or causes suffering I feel empathetic too. I like to think this will make me a much better health care professional one day, as I am in pharmacy school training to be a pharmacist.

Jazzy,
Your wife is wise. Your post made me think. Many activities bring out my symptoms, but I think I could camp with my family for a weekend. We have been to some quiet places in the past. If it doesn't work we could come home. I would love to get out as would my fam.
Thanks, Jace

There is no need to compare one person's pain and suffering to another's. remember that when we post and reply it is support one another, not to hurt one another. Don't presume that those that have a spouse have it easier. Sometimes a spouse can add stress rather than be helpful. Everyone's story is unique. We are all suffering in our own ways.

Su seb

I like Jazzy's advice....although my spouse got rid of my hockey helmets and his own downhill skis). I still have my bike although I am not ready to ride yet. I will again though.

Lots of wisdom from so many good people.

My post wasn't about comparing my pain or my wise spouse to anyone else's. My wife said it. I gave her credit. If anyone is offended, that was not my intention.

My point was simple. If there was something that gave you joy before your injury, it can probably bring joy to you again, even though, at this moment, you may not think so.

Me personally, if I have to give something up to meet monthly expenses, I'll start with my cable/satellite TV service, then go down the list of things I did AFTER all the fun I had outdoors.

It was not you who caused any offense! If you read back on the posts, you will see what you missed. I appreciated what you had to say!

It was not in reference to jazzy