I had bacterial meningitis as a freshman at university in 1996. It came on like a rocket ship. I felt fine when I went to bed but by 5:00AM, I had a fever of 104.9F.
In reflecting on my 4 months in the hospital, I become most emotional when thinking about the phone call my parents received. I’m now a parent and can easily imagine the devastation and overwhelming feeling of helplessness they must have experienced.
The plane flight to get to me must have been agony. In fact, my mother has never been same. But to end on a happy note; though I lost my left arm and a few fingers tips, my life has been joyous.
I competed in the Paralympics in 2008. I have a wonderful career and am now a proud husband and father of 2 great kids. Life is crazy but with the support of family and community, we can seize opportunity.
Tim
January 2023