only a number

I just wrote an entire paragraph about turning 30, and decided to skip the old cliches and move on to the important stuff.

While I did celebrate my birthday this past weekend, I also attended the 10th Anniversary Gala for the Tema Conter Memorial Trust.  A few short months ago, I accepted the position of Director of Media & Public Relations for this charity, because I truly believe in their cause.  Through research, education, training and peer and psychological support, the trust is there to help those men and women in emergency services (police, fire, ems and military personnel) suffering from Acute and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).  As the wife of a paramedic, I can say simply and whole-heartedly that I COULD NEVER DO WHAT THEY DO.  But what I can do is support them.  Tell their stories.  And spread the word that asking for help is OK.

I met a man named Leandre (pronounced Lee-ander) last week who learned quickly that sometimes asking for help is a necessity.  He didn't suffer from PTSD, but he did survive a spinal chord injury.  He is now a quadriplegic.  Did you know that some quadriplegics can move their arms?  Use their hands?  Even walk?  I certainly didn't.  Leandre says "not everyone turns out like Christopher Reeve", and thankfully so.  Leandre has limited but high-functioning use of his arms and hands, can wiggle his toes and says if he holds onto something tight, he can even stand up for brief periods.  He has a steady girlfriend, travels all over the world, works for the Canadian Paraplegic Association as a Peer Support Coordinator and fundraiser, down-hill skis and plays wheelchair rugby.  He has overcome his disability, and turned it into something positive. 
When I walked away from Leandre, steady on my feet, I decided that turning 30 wasn't so bad after all.