Tag: assistance

A day in the life

Grad School for Charlie

| Charles Merritt

Two short years ago I was Considered by the VA as being catastrophically injured(C3 complete quadriplegic) during a seemingly harmless dive off of my boat into 5 feet of water. Little did I know that dive would change my life forever and catapult me into a whole new way of thinking.

These types of accidents and injuries tend to careen people into certain directions. The 1st direction is one of depression and of always asking “why me? “The 2nd direction is just trying to live your life one day at a time and be as happy as possible. The 3rd, and my chosen, direction is that of placing a person in a position to become passionate for a cause and to escalate their understanding for advocacy and helping others with a similar injury.

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Since the accident I’ve been motivated to keep my family living a comfortable life and to also inject myself into as many positive roles to assist others that may need my knowledge and experience. In particular I become involved with the Paralyzed Veterans of America here in central Florida as a board member. I’ve attended several functions to promote awareness for spinal cord injury diseases and disorders nationwide and locally. I created a blog to share my story and hopes to help others quadcapable.com and I assist whomever I can whenever they ask. Sometimes I even help when they don’t ask.

To continue pursuing my goals I feel further education is necessary and I want to show others in my condition or with challenges that no matter what “if there’s a will there’s a way.” I hope to inspire people with a never quit attitude and an understanding that no matter what there is a community out there that will help you all you need to do is ask.

So I am asking my community to assist me with pursuing a Masters in Business Administration at Stetson University here in Deland Florida. Unfortunately I have applied for a myriad of grants and scholarships and I’ve come in so far but fortunately there is a community behind me that I hope will back me up and see my track record in the goals I have already accomplished will support me in this effort. I have already been accepted and currently enrolled to start school on Tuesday, August 30 with a deadline to pay this semester’s tuition by October 15, 2016.

Thank you
Charlie Merritt
#Charliestrong

A day in the life

Three Things Not to Do As a Quadriplegic

| Charles Merritt

There are many hurdles living life as a quadriplegic for the most part a lot of them are similar to your average everyday ambulatory person. Obviously relationships, money, and day-to-day tasks etc. for the void that is our 24 hours a day life. There are certain things I found to be helpful when it comes to living life as a quadriplegic and in general. These aren’t specific to my injury but my situation is a great example of how to stay positive and always look forward.

1. Stop looking at the world as what you cannot do and start focusing on what you can do.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned through this injury despite my therapist’s persistence that I can do everything I did before is that I cannot. Understanding that simple fact has lead me to a greater acceptance of my limitations but also an increased motivation to improve on what I can do. I’m not saying to not strive for the unknown or for the impossible don’t stop shooting for the stars because you can wind up on the moon what I am saying is to not dwell on the negatives but focus improving positives.

2. Stop being so proud and allow people to help you.

So many people walk through life, no pun intended, feeling as if they are alone for no better reason than being too proud or afraid to ask for the help that they need. There are so many things we can do as human beings if we group together there is power in many but steps need to be taken by the individual to build upon the community. If I was told a year ago that I would be asking for help or donations for myself I would’ve laughed in your face but I realize now that it is not about that, it is about being a part of something bigger than yourself. That in itself is very powerful.

3. Don’t take your frustrations out on those people.

Probably the most important thing because of the situation you find yourself in as a quadriplegic you may feel like lashing out. I’m sure a lot of us feel this way without adding to it the frustration of not being able to use your arms and legs. When I feel frustrated I attempt to put myself into a meditative state of retrospection in hopes to find resolution to the current problem. For me that usually means asking others for help whether it be the people in my immediate circle, groups am involved with, or my network of friends and family. But what I do not do is blame others for my issues for my problems for my handicaps I do not treat them like any of this is their fault and I make sure I own my decisions whether good or bad.

Funny thing is while writing this I was served an eviction because my landlord didn’t pay her mortgage so bad things come and is not about the hurdles put in your way or the walls that life throw up it’s your ability to run and jump to move around to find answers and keep moving forward that defines you. So stop dwelling on what you cannot do and start working on and proving the things that you can.