My latest CaringBridge post for those who are still following the continuing saga... 
Hello, Beloved Ones!
I know it's been awhile but I wanted to reach out and tell you that I still thank the powers that be every day for each and every one of you. And I wanted to share what's been up with me. I may have to go back in for another small graft but we're going to wait a couple of weeks and see if it doesn't heal up on its own. If you have any of that amazing juju left, would appreciate a little bit focused on my left calf. It has worked before and I imagine it will work again. You've probably heard the saying that God doesn't give us anything we can't handle. I heard someone respond with "I wish he didn't trust me quite so much!" LOL
I get frustrated upon occasion because, after all, I am only human! After such a huge upsurge of healing and growth, it can sometimes feel like I'm not moving forward at all these days. But in those moments of discouragement, I try to hold onto the fact that perhaps this is a resting point... a place to gain more strength for the coming days and moments. I endeavor to remember where I have been and how far I have already come... and show patience because sometimes we need to just kick back, take a moment, relax, and collect our strength and energy for the coming challenges.
In those moments when we feel discouraged, it's helpful to remember that we don’t ever really go backward. It may be that we are at a standstill because there is a new obstacle in our paths, or a new layer to get through, but the hard work we have done cannot be undone.
I am back to work full time and, with the help of Pilates, have strengthened my core and legs and am walking much better... people that don't know aren't even aware that I've had an accident (although underneath the clothes there's a lot going on that they aren't able to see! . I will be working with a theatre company doing some musical staging for a show called "Gifts of the Magi" which will open on Dec. 3rd. And, for the first time in about 15 years, I will be performing on stage in a musical called "Follies" which will open next March. The character I'll be playing is Carlotta and the song that I'll be singing is "I'm Still Here"... appropriate, no? lol
I am back on the road but on a bit of a different steed, a Can-Am Spyder, which is a 3-wheeled vehicle... kind of like a snow mobile on wheels. I missed riding so very much but was not willing to take the risk that 2-wheels entails. The Spyder allows more stability but also allows me to still feel the wind in my face, the throttle in my hand, and 1000 cc's between my legs! lol I've been on a few local trips and have found that, while it's a different ride, it's like finding a new way to dance. We all have the power to adapt to what experiences life gives us and I'm grateful that I am able to do that.
A few weeks ago I was contacted by the PR department at St. Alphonsus Hospital in Boise, which is where I was life-flighted after my accident. They asked if I would be willing to participate in an ad campaign for the hospital... kind of like a trauma poster child - "Trauma Tyler" (I asked if I would get my own action figure too)! lol Of course, I was honored to be a part of it so I was flown out to Boise and had a whirlwind day of recording for a radio spot, web interview, and shooting for a TV commercial and stills. The result is here:
https://staging.coffeyhosting.com/stalphonsus/HealingStories-Trauma-Tyler-TV.html
https://staging.coffeyhosting.com/stalphonsus/HealingStories-Trauma-Tyler.html
A nurse friend of mine said how much it means to them when they are able to see the result of their efforts and how much it means to them. They deal with so much grief, trauma, and stress and it takes a toll on their psyche and spirit. She told me, "Stories like yours help me move forward as well.... to know that somehow I am helping others along my journey, helps to give it some sort of sense." I know that the job of trying to put people back together most times must be an emotionally draining and, at times, seemingly unrewarded effort and how difficult that must be to deal with. I can't say enough for these folks, not just St. Alphonsus but also the Burn Center at SCVMC, who gave so much more than just talent. They gave love and spirit and strength and humor. They laughed with me, cried, cajoled, encouraged, pushed, and believed in me during moments when I didn't know if I could take the next step.
I have also been gifted with the love and spirit of so many people because of my accident. It's a strange way to receive such a gift... one you probably wouldn't really choose but it has resulted in so many amazing things. Going through all of this, I've questioned "why me" and what am I supposed to be learning from all of this. The answer that continues to come to me is... "it's not about you." WHAT?!?! It's not about ME?!?!? lol It's about me dealing with what is and moving forward and being able to share strength and hope and spirit and reason to others to move forward for themselves and for others to do the same... unconditionally. My dear friend Dorothy recently shared this TED interview with me... this woman, Stacey Kramer, sums it up quite eloquently... while my "gift" didn't quite fit into that little box, our experiences have been quite the same:
https://embed.ted.com/talks/stacey_kramer_the_best_gift_i_ever_survived
Which brings me to the spiritual aspect of all of this. I've always been a spiritual person but haven't really been able to define what "It" is. I hesitate to give "It" a name... God, Buddha, Allah, Spirit, the Great Pumpkin... all those words seem to just limit what "It" is. Here's my take on "It"... I believe that if you smushed all of us up into a big ball, kind of like Playdough, you'd have what is the essence of "It." We are all little pieces of that big ball, separated yet still connected by a gossamer thread between each of us. There are some that let that connection wither, get frayed, or gunked up... so those folks are unable to give to or receive from others. But the majority of the rest allow that connection and it strengthens them. And really, imho, that's what we are all here for... to give to one another, to help each other make our way through life, to share that little something that helps us each grow.
With that said, I have a request to each of you who have shared or felt something that has moved you or your spirit over the past year or so. As we all settle back down into "real" life, it's easy to forget and just go back to status quo. That this whole experience has been able to affect so many people gives some sort of purpose to it all. So, for me, find that thing, that word or picture, that feeling that this experience was able to give you. Remember it. Embrace it. Continue to find a way to open yourself to growth and light and love. Make those changes that make your spirit expand. Hold onto whatever it is you received and continue that light. Reach out to the next person or even to yourself. Pay it forward.
Peace out,
Tyler
Hello, Beloved Ones!
I know it's been awhile but I wanted to reach out and tell you that I still thank the powers that be every day for each and every one of you. And I wanted to share what's been up with me. I may have to go back in for another small graft but we're going to wait a couple of weeks and see if it doesn't heal up on its own. If you have any of that amazing juju left, would appreciate a little bit focused on my left calf. It has worked before and I imagine it will work again.
You've probably heard the saying that God doesn't give us anything we can't handle. I heard someone respond with "I wish he didn't trust me quite so much!" LOLI get frustrated upon occasion because, after all, I am only human! After such a huge upsurge of healing and growth, it can sometimes feel like I'm not moving forward at all these days. But in those moments of discouragement, I try to hold onto the fact that perhaps this is a resting point... a place to gain more strength for the coming days and moments. I endeavor to remember where I have been and how far I have already come... and show patience because sometimes we need to just kick back, take a moment, relax, and collect our strength and energy for the coming challenges.
In those moments when we feel discouraged, it's helpful to remember that we don’t ever really go backward. It may be that we are at a standstill because there is a new obstacle in our paths, or a new layer to get through, but the hard work we have done cannot be undone.
I am back to work full time and, with the help of Pilates, have strengthened my core and legs and am walking much better... people that don't know aren't even aware that I've had an accident (although underneath the clothes there's a lot going on that they aren't able to see!
. I will be working with a theatre company doing some musical staging for a show called "Gifts of the Magi" which will open on Dec. 3rd. And, for the first time in about 15 years, I will be performing on stage in a musical called "Follies" which will open next March. The character I'll be playing is Carlotta and the song that I'll be singing is "I'm Still Here"... appropriate, no? lolI am back on the road but on a bit of a different steed, a Can-Am Spyder, which is a 3-wheeled vehicle... kind of like a snow mobile on wheels. I missed riding so very much but was not willing to take the risk that 2-wheels entails. The Spyder allows more stability but also allows me to still feel the wind in my face, the throttle in my hand, and 1000 cc's between my legs! lol I've been on a few local trips and have found that, while it's a different ride, it's like finding a new way to dance. We all have the power to adapt to what experiences life gives us and I'm grateful that I am able to do that.
A few weeks ago I was contacted by the PR department at St. Alphonsus Hospital in Boise, which is where I was life-flighted after my accident. They asked if I would be willing to participate in an ad campaign for the hospital... kind of like a trauma poster child - "Trauma Tyler" (I asked if I would get my own action figure too)! lol Of course, I was honored to be a part of it so I was flown out to Boise and had a whirlwind day of recording for a radio spot, web interview, and shooting for a TV commercial and stills. The result is here:
https://staging.coffeyhosting.com/stalphonsus/HealingStories-Trauma-Tyler-TV.html
https://staging.coffeyhosting.com/stalphonsus/HealingStories-Trauma-Tyler.html
A nurse friend of mine said how much it means to them when they are able to see the result of their efforts and how much it means to them. They deal with so much grief, trauma, and stress and it takes a toll on their psyche and spirit. She told me, "Stories like yours help me move forward as well.... to know that somehow I am helping others along my journey, helps to give it some sort of sense." I know that the job of trying to put people back together most times must be an emotionally draining and, at times, seemingly unrewarded effort and how difficult that must be to deal with. I can't say enough for these folks, not just St. Alphonsus but also the Burn Center at SCVMC, who gave so much more than just talent. They gave love and spirit and strength and humor. They laughed with me, cried, cajoled, encouraged, pushed, and believed in me during moments when I didn't know if I could take the next step.
I have also been gifted with the love and spirit of so many people because of my accident. It's a strange way to receive such a gift... one you probably wouldn't really choose but it has resulted in so many amazing things. Going through all of this, I've questioned "why me" and what am I supposed to be learning from all of this. The answer that continues to come to me is... "it's not about you." WHAT?!?! It's not about ME?!?!? lol It's about me dealing with what is and moving forward and being able to share strength and hope and spirit and reason to others to move forward for themselves and for others to do the same... unconditionally. My dear friend Dorothy recently shared this TED interview with me... this woman, Stacey Kramer, sums it up quite eloquently... while my "gift" didn't quite fit into that little box, our experiences have been quite the same:
https://embed.ted.com/talks/stacey_kramer_the_best_gift_i_ever_survived
Which brings me to the spiritual aspect of all of this. I've always been a spiritual person but haven't really been able to define what "It" is. I hesitate to give "It" a name... God, Buddha, Allah, Spirit, the Great Pumpkin... all those words seem to just limit what "It" is. Here's my take on "It"... I believe that if you smushed all of us up into a big ball, kind of like Playdough, you'd have what is the essence of "It." We are all little pieces of that big ball, separated yet still connected by a gossamer thread between each of us. There are some that let that connection wither, get frayed, or gunked up... so those folks are unable to give to or receive from others. But the majority of the rest allow that connection and it strengthens them. And really, imho, that's what we are all here for... to give to one another, to help each other make our way through life, to share that little something that helps us each grow.
With that said, I have a request to each of you who have shared or felt something that has moved you or your spirit over the past year or so. As we all settle back down into "real" life, it's easy to forget and just go back to status quo. That this whole experience has been able to affect so many people gives some sort of purpose to it all. So, for me, find that thing, that word or picture, that feeling that this experience was able to give you. Remember it. Embrace it. Continue to find a way to open yourself to growth and light and love. Make those changes that make your spirit expand. Hold onto whatever it is you received and continue that light. Reach out to the next person or even to yourself. Pay it forward.
Peace out,
Tyler
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