Mike’s Bike Almost Ready
Talking to Mike over the last two days revealed lots is happening. Mon is busier than ever! Thursday saw the final fitting for Mike’s recumbent and what a thrill he had to find that the modifications enabled him to work the brakes and gears. His legs growing stronger can pedal the machine — not far yet but he is confident about them.
Mon is driving a hired vehicle now taking the pain out of waiting for maxi taxis that fail to arrive. Mike says that he will still be in Talbot for a while waiting for the paperwork that is required to ensure his ongoing care. He went home on Thursday night as he had no therapy to stay for on Friday. I have just finished reading ‘Walk with Me’ by Kevin Hitchcock, injured in 1991, sustaining a similar injury — C3-C4 vertebrae (one higher than Mike’s). It was such a parallel journey, where he writes of the importance of the devoted love provided by his family and friends that helped him through the toughest of times.
Moni’s tireless efforts for Mike, along with their supporting friends have played this enormous role for Mike. He has a long way to go but he has climbed many rungs of this interminable ladder and has been able to sustain a determined and positive attitude through it all. Mike’s acceptance, with grace, of what has happened, has played a large role in his ability to take joy from even the smallest of improvements in his condition. I have watched him work with his paralysed arms, hands and wrists with enduring patience, devising a way to conquer a task or part of it, on the way to greater independence. He allows himself to dream of what he will do in the future but has been careful not to let this take him into the land of wishful thinking.
As I read of the cases where people have made remarkable recoveries, one of the questionable elements is the role positive or negative that drugs play. Mike has been determined to limit his intake of drugs as he is convinced taking the pain also masks the feeling that he needs to regenerate the pathway to the brain. Most of the time he takes none but sometimes he has a short term run with anti-inflammatories and sometimes he has night medicine for spasms. I have no doubt the many sessions Mike has had from therapists — reflexologists, kinaesiologists, cranial-sacral and Feldenkrais — have played a huge role in helping him reach the degree of recovery he has made so far. As well, Mon’s determination to apply stretching exercises for him each day, have helped reduce the stiffness associated with the spasticity and immobility of Mike’s situation. Holistic medicine has much to offer.
My kindest regards for all that you do and the very best for Christmas/New Year
Lesley (Mike’s Mum)
December 16th, 2008 on 7:35 am
You certainly have an inspiring son (& daughter in law) Lesley & Bruce. Thinking of you all – Love Marg
December 16th, 2008 on 12:03 pm
It is brilliant to read you are on your bike, Mike. Your inspirational works these last months are amazing. The determination you. Moni and Ash have shown are no doubt bringing you these results. As we read Lesley’s post ( and it is not because Moni is leaving anyone out)we are again reminded of the amazing support you have. These people are all incredible.
It is great to read of your exploits from singing to scuba nonetheless, and that you are both just so active in achieving this progress.
We are sure the Blue House is going to be very busy for Christmas. We wish you all the best for Christmas and hope that you also have fun and great memories to enjoy with all of those around you.
The Congdon Family
December 20th, 2008 on 5:00 pm
Dear Mike, Mon, Ash and your fabulous support network,
All the best for the new year.
I’ve been following your story since that tragic accident with great regularity.
As an avid cyclist myself I was touched by your admission, and may have shed my first tear since starting work at the horror of it all.
The mountain you have climbed so far is an inspiration to everyone, and I wish you all the best in the future. The insurmountable difficulties you have all been through is a testament to a great family unit, good friends and the ability to overcome.
Good luck with the biking, diving and swimming, keep up the hard work.
My thoughts are with you
Dr Ian Humble
December 23rd, 2008 on 3:01 pm
Hi Michael,
Wishing you and your family a very merry Christmas and all the very best for the year ahead.
I hope the New Year is the start of a wonderful journey that will see you achieving all of your new goals in 2009.
Best,
Kate
xo