Artist's statement:
STAYING AFLOAT
I look back on that day and so wish things were different.
Doing something I loved quickly turned into mine and my loved one’s worst nightmare.
Below the water my body was completely broken and all the dreams I knew were shattered.
My partner, family and closest friends remained by my side giving me the love, positive support and energy I needed.
Without them I wouldn’t have survived.
Even people I didn’t know sent me their love, support and words of encouragement and continue to do so during my recovery.
Good Friends and the community rallied around to support me, they worked tirelessly to raise funds to assist me and my future.
I will be forever grateful and can’t thank them enough for what my friends and the community did for me. It was truly amazing.
I’ve lost many things that I loved, especially the simple things I took for granted.
I have been reminded constantly that everything is different now, that nothing is the same anymore.
However my mind is alive and I’m the same person inside.
Everyday I improve, I do something new and more movement comes back.
I can now walk with an aid and my legs grow stronger each day.
Rehab has been my home for many months, the staff have been my family and I’ll always be grateful.
As time goes on, distance and everyday life has understandably taken it’s toll.
Some people have slowly disappeared, some even have decided they can’t do this anymore.
Reality slowly sinks in as I near going home, however I remain positive that I will stay strong and achieve my goals.
I’ll never give up hope.
- Michelle
STAYING AFLOAT
I look back on that day and so wish things were different.
Doing something I loved quickly turned into mine and my loved one’s worst nightmare.
Below the water my body was completely broken and all the dreams I knew were shattered.
My partner, family and closest friends remained by my side giving me the love, positive support and energy I needed.
Without them I wouldn’t have survived.
Even people I didn’t know sent me their love, support and words of encouragement and continue to do so during my recovery.
Good Friends and the community rallied around to support me, they worked tirelessly to raise funds to assist me and my future.
I will be forever grateful and can’t thank them enough for what my friends and the community did for me. It was truly amazing.
I’ve lost many things that I loved, especially the simple things I took for granted.
I have been reminded constantly that everything is different now, that nothing is the same anymore.
However my mind is alive and I’m the same person inside.
Everyday I improve, I do something new and more movement comes back.
I can now walk with an aid and my legs grow stronger each day.
Rehab has been my home for many months, the staff have been my family and I’ll always be grateful.
As time goes on, distance and everyday life has understandably taken it’s toll.
Some people have slowly disappeared, some even have decided they can’t do this anymore.
Reality slowly sinks in as I near going home, however I remain positive that I will stay strong and achieve my goals.
I’ll never give up hope.
- Michelle