Scott’s son Parker sustained a C4/5 spinal cord injury from a diving accident in 2012. Scott reflects on how life after his son’s SCI has both dramatically changed and yet amazingly stayed the same.
Scott takes on the role of encouraging Parker to be the best he can be. But that’s nothing new – Scott has always supported his son both before and after his injury. And as for the injury itself, Scott shares how they don’t dwell on it too much.
“We don’t have long talks about how things used to be. His accident is simply an event that occurred in his life – just like any other event. We try very hard not to have his injury define him.”
As an example, Scott talks about working out with Parker both pre and post injury. “Before he was injured, Parker was an advanced martial artist. He had gotten bigger and stronger to where we could train together and go at it pretty hard. Since Parker’s injury, we still go to the gym together. I also work him out at home and train him on his handcycle.” So while their workout routines may have changed, their focus on the benefits of physical fitness has not wavered.
Even around the house, Parker is expected to take on responsibilities.
“He’s expected to participate and contribute within his abilities. I always challenge him to take on more responsibility towards the goal of being independent and self-sufficient just as I would if he hadn’t been injured. There are no timelines, but there is the expectation to work hard.”
So as much as things have changed for Scott and Parker, much of life has stayed the same.
How have things changed yet remained constant for you after an injury? Share your insight with us, and you could be featured on AbleThrive!