Thoughts For Todd

I have been struggling with how to write this post - or whether to even write it at all.  None of you know my friend Todd, shown here with his lovely wife Tammi and their three children.

But I hope you will continue reading, because Todd needs a million positive thoughts and prayers sent his way.

Todd is a long time friend of our family.  He is one of the nicest, most positive men you could ever meet, with a wonderful sense of humor.  His daughter graduated from high school in June and the family took a trip to Hawaii to celebrate.

In a freak accident, Todd was severely injured while body surfing in Maui on July 3rd.  A large wave picked him up and slammed him head first into the sand. 

The wave receded, and Todd was left paralyzed from the neck down.  He was stabilized and flown to Honolulu where he has remained in ICU.  His neck is not broken, but a narrow part of his upper spine is pinching his spinal cord.  Luckily he has been able to breathe on his own since the accident, and doctors are waiting for his blood pressure to regulate so that he can be medevaced to Seattle to continue treatment.

Although Todd's prognosis is very uncertain, there have been encouraging signs in the past few days.  He was able to wiggle both big toes, and has had increased sensation behind his knee. Through it all Todd has remained upbeat and positive and assures everyone that he will walk again.

My request from all of my wonderful blogging friends is that you will say a prayer for Todd's continued healing and recovery.   If you don't pray, a positive thought would also be appreciated.

This terrible accident has reminded me of three very important life lessons that I give lip service to all the time, but don't follow on a daily basis.

Live every day like it is your last.  Todd's life literally changed in an instant.  All the petty things that bother me seem so unimportant in light of Todd's fight.

Appreciate your body and what it does for you.  Naturally, we all complain about how we look or feel.  But our amazing bodies move and support us through our day.  Give it some credit!

A positive attitude will carry you through.  Nobody's life is perfect, and we all have burdens to bear.  Going through each day with a smile rather than a frown makes everything better.  If nothing else, fake it till you make it.

This is the beginning of Todd's story, but it is certainly not the end.  Thank you so much for taking the time to read.  I believe there is great value in the power of prayer and positive thoughts.  I promise to keep you posted on how he is doing.