09/06/2026
Earlier this week a friend from high school made a stop to see me while she was on a cross-Canada summer road trip with her family. We went to a restaurant and got to chatting about life. In all the reminiscing they reminded me about how far I’ve truly come. Sometimes you forget, you know, so thank you Christina, Brad, Brooklynn, and Karter. ❤️
When I was 18 I got sick. Like, the doctor told me to make my final arrangements, sick. I was in the hospital for months with a mystery illness when they decided to run a test they hadn’t tried yet. From those results they were able to make a diagnosis and start treatment.
By then the damage had already been done. I was immobile for too long and my muscles atrophied. My life wasn’t on the line anymore but my road to recovery was just beginning. I was moved from the hospital to the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital where I lived for over a year. I had to learn to walk again starting with hydrotherapy and working my way up to parallel bars, a walker, and so on. I had to desensitize the nerves in my hands and feet which was excruciating! I had to re-develop my fine motor skills like picking items up from a table, holding a pen, writing, etc. I had to combat daily swelling, pain, and fatigue, and still push through. I wanted to give up so many times. I remember the day that I came close. I imagined what life would be like if I never got out of my wheelchair… but I did.
It took 3 long years from when I first got sick to when I was walking without a mobility aid, and I am forever grateful it wasn’t just physio and medical treatments every day. I learned new skills in the Glenrose recreation program that also aided in my recovery. I had the opportunity to learn copper tooling, leather working, painting, sculpture, acoustic guitar, and so much more! I had a lot of fun, but more importantly I was doing the work to improve my dexterity and desensitize my hands so I could live independently again.
The bracelet in this photo is one that I made during my admission at the Glenrose. It is a sentimental token of a time that I fought hard to get back on my feet again. For me it is a symbol of strength, resilience, and perseverance.
