 |
At the end of my
junior year at UC, a diving accident left me a quadriplegic. In spite
of that, the life I have led since 1991 is far more abundant and joyful
than I ever could have imagined. How can that be? I discovered that the
ability to face life's challenges exists within each of us. Here's what
works for me:
1.
Positive attitude. I don't look at what I lost, but
what I still have to live for. I choose to become better, not bitter;
to try my best; and to be thankful for blessings -- physical progress,
family, friends, a home, a free country and the opportunity to fulfill
my dreams.
I was certain that God had a plan for my life, and I determined to work
hard in therapy to use my life to serve him. I finished my college education,
graduated magna cum laude and walked across the stage with the help of
crutches to receive my University of Cincinnati diploma.
2.
Perseverance. I want to live this one life well. Facing
my fears. Never giving up. Not feeling sorry for myself. With patient,
continuous effort, even when that is difficult. I have raced in nine marathons
as a wheelchair athlete. Each time I began, I knew my arms, shoulders
and back would be in pain for four or five hours, pushing my chair for
26.2 miles. But I made a commitment to finish, and finish I would.
3. Faith.
When my world was ripped out from under me, I had something great to hold
on to: my relationship with God. I knew that he loved me, that he would
never leave me, that I was valuable because I was made in his image. And
he was still a good God. He didn't let me get hurt as a punishment. I
knew he had a plan for my life, and I was going to honor him with it.
A motivational speaker, writer and wheelchair
athlete, James won her Ohio title Feb. 23 and will compete for the Ms.
Wheelchair America 2002 crown in August. As Ohio's spokeswoman, James
will be making public appearances and speaking to advocacy groups and
others about the achievements and needs of women with disabilities. She
is writing a book and has a Web
site.
Next page l Magician William Brewe | LIST
