STRUGGLING WITH SERENDIPITY
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challenging choices

6/2/2016

7 Comments

 
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(This blog tells my family's story. To see more, click "blog" at the top of this webpage.)

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Beth decided to cut her stay short at the rehab hospital to start her first year of high school on time. The inpatient stay for those with new spinal cord injuries in the neck often exceeded three months. She would leave her hospital room after two months, giving her two weeks at home to adjust before school started. She refused to weigh the merits of the easier option: tutoring. No matter that she was pale, tired, weak, and susceptible to infection. No matter that she could wheel herself a short distance before her arms trembled and exhaustion set in.

"Life is about making choices," Beth said. “At this point, some people may have taken a year off of school to rest and build their strength at home. I wanted to start at Tiffin Columbian High School with the rest of my freshman class.”

I was faced with a choice as well. I officially quit my job at the institution for what I thought would be a long-term role as my daughter's personal care assistant. One afternoon in early July, John stayed with Beth while I turned in my keys and set up the literacy program for whoever would replace me.

At the center, I ducked into a little-used hallway and closed myself in my office, avoiding the dozens of residents I had worked with. Most had looked forward to our sessions, usually a pleasant reprieve from monotonous days. I justified walking away, since my other option, talking individually with many residents in different locations, would be disruptive and frustrating all around. And with staff quitting regularly for easier jobs, residents lived with a revolving door of workers who cared about them. However, there was no comfort in the fact that I would not be the last to leave. As I left behind a good job where I could make a small difference, I wiped away more tears.

Beth's shortened hospital stay added a sense of urgency to the rest of the summer. Extensive preparations had to be finished quickly at home–and at school.

7 Comments
Chuck Gregoire
6/3/2016 09:13:17 am

Very brave young lady.

Reply
Cindy Kolbe link
6/3/2016 10:04:33 am

Yes, so much braver than me! Thanks for following our story, Chuck!

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Deb Ostrander
6/3/2016 01:24:07 pm

Your posts continue to encourage me..........we all have those days of WHY? Beth made that choice to move on with whatever challenges she might face............again, an amazing human being with super powers!!!!!!!!! (You too, Cindy!)............power to family!

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Cindy Kolbe
6/3/2016 07:21:30 pm

Thanks so much, Deb! And yes, yay for family! It makes everything worthwhile. ❤️

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Cindy Champion link
6/4/2016 04:44:51 pm

You were both brave.

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Mary C. Tarr
6/26/2016 10:16:33 am

I've just stumbled upon this, and have not read more than the first few posts. I met Beth in Washington, DC. She is one of the smartest, hard-working, dedicated, amazing people I have EVER met. We had installed handicapped door openers and she never used them. She has an unbelievable attitude and is sweet as can be. Nothing will stop her and she makes me proud. No doubt in my mind that we haven't seen nothing yet with Beth!

Reply
Cindy Kolbe
6/28/2016 09:06:41 pm

Hi Mary! I was visiting Beth in DC when I saw your comment and showed it to her. So nice! I'll be the first to agree that Beth is amazing. She is the happiest person I know! She also appreciates all the wonderful people she's met along the way. ❤️

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