"I seldom think about my limitations, and they never make me sad. Perhaps there is just a touch of yearning at times; but it is vague, like a breeze among flowers."
~ Helen Keller ~
In 1997, two profound incidents reshaped my future. The order of which is unimportant here. What should be highlighted is that these incidents changed my life forever.
I was stabbed in a basement carpark
As I bent over to unlock my car, I felt an excruciating pain across my upper back. I clutched the open car door for support. But my legs buckled with the effort as the pain overtook my entire being. Drifitng in and out of consciousness, I managed to drag myself away from my car in the hope of being rescued. I remember feeling terribly relieved when my rescuer finally arrived to find me lying on my side in the middle of the pathway. Let's skip the gory details. Fast forward to the hospital where I was whisked into the operating room. The emergency surgery resulted in total paralysis once the offensive knife had been removed from my back. My spinal cord, that miracle network and magical conveyor of neural impulses, had been severed. The hospital became my home for nearly five months. It was there that I encountered the darkest, the most challenging and life-changing moments of my life.
I met Xen and Elynn Angelides
Enter Xen and Elynn. I was keen to take my fitness regime to the next level. I signed up with Xen to begin this transformation. In the process of executing my challenging program, I befriended Elynn who trained me in Xen's absence. I came to respect and like them both. True professionals and passionate about getting results, our little trio forged a bond. A warm, open and honest friendship developed. So it was little surprise when Xen and Elynn insisted that they continue my training within the confines of the hospital. I would have wanted it no other way. The training was kept to a strict routine. Six days a week or bust! Wearing adult diapers and rocking up in a wheelchair was cerainly not my ideal choice. But nevertheless, I acquiesced. Parallel bars took on a whole new meaning as my unresponsive legs tried to obey instructions from my repaired spinal cord. Standing up, was a sweaty achievement. Dragging my limp legs while hanging onto the parallel bars was a bonus! And at the end, there was Elynn. Egging me on with the promise of a prize. My favourite flowers. Birds of paradise. While Xen hovered nearby. Ready to rescue me from falling or secretly devising yet another exercise.
We three achieved the impossible. A miracle actually. A week before my discharge from the hospital, I was able to stand up with the help of a three-cornered walking frame.
And if my willpower did not desert me, I could even pretend to walk - dragging my legs as I gripped the walking frame tightly. Once I became accustomed to using a wheelchair, Xen and Elynn continued our training. I say "our" because all three of us were undergoing training. That which challenged the mind, strengthened the body and enriched the spirit. Because of this, each of us was experiencing our very own version of the X-Factor.
Our lives are irrevocably entwined. So how could I ever forget our many firsts.
I remember the first time ...
My legs genuinely responded to neural impulses.
I swam after the accident.
I entered the gym in my wheelchair.
I conducted the warm-up and cool-down routines as a guest instructor for an aerobic class.
I drove my car.
I wrote a play and all three of us attended its production.
I traded the wheelchair for a pair of elbow crutches.
I managed to climb stairs.
I rode a bicycle.
I tried the stepper machine.
I witnessed my children graduate from university.
I became a single woman again.
Together, Xen, Elynn and I have discovered that life has no limitations except for the ones of our own making.
About the Author: Charmaine (Shahimah) Idris is
the founder of Writeousness which provides a personalized service in copywriting, editing and proofreading. Check out her blog and follow her on Facebook to read all the latest book, movie and art reviews. Charmaine's (Shahimah's) first play "From Table Mountain to Teluk Intan" was staged in 2000. It will be published in a book due to be launched at the 2011 Ubud Writers & Readers Festival.
Comments (13)
I am spell bound by the trust and love between the three of you and also the courage to be there no matter what. It is a miracle that you are walking and standing tall to be heard as it is through this journey that you have grown like an oak tree, with tremendous strength,determination,and above all trust with the faith of recovery and wellness. Thank you for sharing your story and shedding some light into a normal day for those of us that walk along in faith..... Yours in gratitude...........MG
Thank you Maria. I know that you understand the strength and courage it took for Charmaine to overcome her challenges, as you have done the same and you have found your second chance in life to follow your passion in helping people achieve better health and wellbeing. Stay in faith and Spirit.
When ever I'm in complete darkness and I'm somewhat lost I always reconnect with the X-Factor. As you Xennie always shine the inspiring light that leads me in the right direction along my lifes pathway. Stay in Spirit.Mike
Thank you very much for your kind comments, Mike. We are all on this journey together and I am very grateful that you and Grace are in my life. Stay in Spirit. Xennie
You are three of the most amazing people I have ever had the privilege to know! I remember those dark days in Kuala Lumpur after the attack and the incredible things you all accomplished there afterwards. I wish that California and Australia were a little closer! I hope that we will have the chance to meet again.
Hi Susan, it's wonderful to hear from you. Thank you for your kind words. There are few things in life that really define us and this was one of those episodes in life. I am sure we will have the chance to meet up again. Stay in Spirit. Xen and Elynn
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to write this blog. May it be an inspiration for many. Here's wishing the empowering X-factor team success.
Charmaine, Thank you for the journey we have had. Thank you for your 'gladiator' spirit in spite of the challenges (inspiring to say the least), that led us all to uncover the X-Factor within each of us. Love and Light always.
Hi Charmaine, What an amazing story and I am so proud to be a friend of yours. When Jess and I heard you were attacked a couple of years ago we started our search to find you....... it took a while ....... but we did and I am very grateful for this ( Jess's persistence). When life gets tough we tend to say 'why me' ..... I have learnt and now confirmed, after reading your story, I need to say.... 'why NOT me'. I live by the saying ' There by the Grace of God goes I............ I think getting 'older' allows us to wear our 'Battle scars'with pride because it is testimony of what was worth fighting for .............. So Proud of You!!! MUCH LUV......
Thank you Bobbi. Very wise words, thank you for sharing.
wonderful post, thank you.
The first time I heard Prof X tell this story it touched my heart. Charmaine the courage you faced is such a powerful show of strength and trust in these two wonderful people who rehabilitated you.
Xen and Elynn are two of the most inspiring and genuine people I have known who always and without question will hold the interests of others first and formost and without hesitation.. Prof X you make me try to be a better person every day and Charmaine... Your perserverance inspires me to never give up!
Thank you very much for your kind words Miranda. We have attracted you into our lives for a reason - Elynn and I feel the same about you. You Go Girl! Let's catch up soon. Xen and Elynn :)