Matt and I have been going to the gym regularly for about 6 months. It's been great for both of us. Matt is able to do his own workout without help from anyone. It's nice because I can go to the classes I love, they have fun kid-care for Kaden, and Matt can do his own thing. He will work out for up to 1 1/2 hours straight! He is motivated and enjoys recording and charting the things he does. One time I was in a class and he came to the door and said, "Babe (huffing and puffing), I've been on the stair-stepper for 30 minutes, can I be done now?" It was cute, but honestly, who does the stair-stepper for 30 minutes?!?!?! I sure don't.
We look forward to our gym time. It is a good outlet and definitely a mood lifter. I have had so many people come up to me and tell me how sweet Matt is, how he inspires them, and how much they enjoy seeing him there. Yesterday, I was especially touched. I was introduced to Deb, a woman who, two years ago, was in a serious motorcycle accident. She was in a drug-induced coma for about a week, and was on life support. She showed me the scars on her leg from the injury. Watching her walk was hard; I could almost feel her pain.
She wanted to meet me, to tell me how inspired she is by Matt. She said that she had had several conversations with him, and that he is the nicest most caring and friendly person she's met. She said that he is the reason she comes to the gym. She knows his story, and sees him on the bike, stair-climber, or whatever other machine, and she knows that if he can do it, then so can she. Deb said that he has motivated her more than anyone else and she looks forward to seeing him at the gym. She talked about how hard life is after something changes the way one's world used to be. Tasks that were once so simple are now near impossible. She thanked Matt and I for coming and for helping her realize she can do more than she knew she could.
It was a touching moment for me. I know that Matt inspires me, but it is so special when others are so touched by his life. He is touching more people that I am sure either of us are aware of, and I just wanted to share this story, to express my love for Matt, and to say that I am so proud of him.
9 comments:
wow, how wonderful. yes, i am POSITIVE that you both have touched more lives than you will EVER know!!
Both You and Matt have touched and inspired my life. Even some other people out here in Michigan. (Do you know Casey and Aubrey Potter? I think they said they knew you guys. At least they knew your story!) Matt, I am truely so proud of all of the trials you have overcome. Jess- I am so glad that Matt has someone like you to help him and go through it with him!
-Mindy
Just reading this makes me want to work out! Maybe you and Matt can be my trainer! Oh, Jessica I luf you! And I love reading your blog. You and Matt are amazing and I hope one day I can be like you.
Oh, and the tantrun at the mall with Kaden was hilarious! I could picture it perfectly! My nieces and nephews have totally been there. Its quite comical!
Jess, have you ever thought about writing a book? I'm not even nearly kidding when I say that your story and the honest, yet funny way you write could translate into a book SO easily...If you haven't thought of it, you really should. I think you and Matt could help and inspire a lot of people.
Thanks so much for sharing Jess! That is so amazing, Matt truly is so special and I can only imagine how many lives he has touched and is touching! I am so proud of you both for your dedication and endurance! It is so great to find things you enjoy doing and help fill your pitcher each day! Keep up the amazing work and thank you for being my friends. I love you guys.
I remember how thrilled we were when Matt wiggled his thumb, then an arm, then a leg, and now he's working out at the gym. SOOO many miracles. And the number of people he has and continues to influence is beyond our scope to even count, I'm sure. Thanks, Jessielib, for sharing this great story--Mom
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