This site has been an incredible blessing to me. I truly appreciate the input from each of the members, and the leadership of Mark as he attempts to help people navigate through the minefield of backpain.
I am always amazed by the power of the human spirit. We see stories on this site like Mark's, Mr. Bee's, and others. Stories I think of outside of this realm include Rocky Bleier (Lost most of his foot and suffered severe injuries in Vietnam, and then starred with the Steelers in the Superbowl). Lance Armstrong (Given a 5% chance of survival..becomes one of the greatest athletes/inspirations of all time). Recently, we have seen the South African Track Athlete, who will be given the opportunity to qualify for the Olympics (While running on prosthetic carbon fiber lower legs).
I have no doubt that each of those listed above could have easily given it up and "accepted" their limitations. Thankfully, for themselves, their families, and the countless others they have inspired, they did not.
I have ridden 150 miles in a day on my bike, completed an Ironman triathlon...yet dealing with the physical and phsychological effects/affects of back pain has been by far my biggest challenge. The challenge to not be defeated before you get out of bed in the morning can be the biggest of all.
Below is a link to a story that many of you may have seen. A story of a boy and his dad (Dick and Rick Hoyt). I have watched the video countless times, and viewed an incredible documentary of the them as well. I still get tears in my eyes each time I watch. I am inspired by the heroism of both of these men and hope you will be as well.The first link is to a documentary, the second to a video set to music....ENJOY!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wS9NyMl_k8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cS596VsNEOE
Someone just asked me what race they are in. This is the Ironman Triathlon Championships in Hawaii..(2.4-mile / 3.86-kilometer) swim, 112 mi (180.2 km) bike ride, and a 26.2 mi (42.2 km) run)