Phillip Sherwood

Yesterday afternoon I went to the Clearview Cancer Institute for a bone treatment because my bones are becoming very brittle and I’m now borderline with osteoporosis and more prone to breakage should I fall out of chair. I’m working from home today after having the medication yesterday. I’m feeling fatigued but hopefully it won’t develop into the full blown flu like symptoms that linger for days that may occur. I have to take Calcium and Vitamin D supplements forever now which also increases the risk for developing kidney stones. All that is happening and the things I’ve been having to deal with this past year are indicative of my paralysis and I just have to deal with it and put my best foot forward and move out smartly. This is just one of many challenges I’ve had to face since my accident and there’ll be many more to come along the road ahead. None of these “obstacles” will knock me off my horse and even if it does, I have the best family and friends in the world who are by my side to lift me back up, dust me off and put me back in the saddle and for that I am truly blessed. It’s very humbling to have gone to so many places and integrate with others who are suffering and dying to witness their spirits and strength as they fight their own fight. I’ve learned life is a very precious and valuable gift that many take for granted until it’s about to be taken away. Live your life like there may be no tomorrow, tell others about how you feel about them, don’t put off for tomorrow what you can do today and most important… don’t get caught up in all the material trappings in this world and the meaningless petty things that really don’t matter. Enjoy and nurture your relationships with family and friends and remember, a stranger is someone you just haven’t made friends with yet. Reach out to them and introduce yourself. They may be having a bad day and it’s possible your interaction with them may lift them out of the gutter and you’d be surprised how good you’ll feel afterwards because you just made a new friend.