By Dr. Erich Longie, President, Spirit Lake Consulting Inc.
Twenty-five years ago, I was involved in a car accident that resulted in a broken spinal column and numerous other injuries. Due to my injuries, I became partially paralyzed on the left side of my body. I also injured my right knee in that accident, and as a result still need constant physical therapy. Because my left leg is partially paralyzed, it is weaker than my right leg and this has resulted in my right leg (and knee) bearing the majority of my weight these past 25 years. This extra weight on my right leg has made even my ‘good’ knee injured and I now wear a brace on my right knee to stabilize it. Eventually, I will need to have a knee replacement and/or end up in a wheelchair for the rest of my life.
For the past 20 years or so I have played pool with a person who also suffered a spinal cord injury, which led to a disability far more severe than mine. He has been in a wheelchair since I first met him. This person, who is now approaching 60, is the most independent person I know, disabled or non-disabled. He does everything for himself, from mowing his lawn to changing the oil in his car – and he is one heck of a pool player. But recently, I’ve begun to notice signs that he is “slowing” down. I say slowing down because when we first met, we would play pool for eight to 10 hours at a time. Now, when we play, we only shoot for three to five hours.
I’ve also noticed his attitude has begun to change. He becomes moody at times. He once said to me, “When I go, I hope I go quickly.” Observing my friend’s physical and emotional changes made me wonder how my disability could affect me emotionally, psychologically, and mentally as I grow older. So I began to do some research on the subject.
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