every day with a spinal cord injury is a day that gives you cause to reflect on whether the glass is half-empty or half-full, but the holidays are particularly so. i certainly have much to be grateful for, but look…let’s be honest…there is just no way that this is the christmas season carol and i...
Excellent description of what many of us feel but do not have your gift of describing.
Excellent observations and very well written (as always). Watched pots never boil, right? Counting chickens never really helped anyone either…
Wow, Will, you have such a gift with words. Your thoughts are packed with emotion, thought provoking looks at our inner self, and motivation for us all to find the swimmer in ourselves when things aren’t going as we have planned. We all need to hear/read that and know that whatever our/your situation is, don’t give up. You are an inspiration to me and others and I can’t thank you enough.
Thanks for having the gift to make us “see” through your words and thoughts.
Great Blog post.. never really looked at the glass that way. The rim does sound better. just found this blog thanks to Monica posting it on facebook. Sorry to hear of your accident but sounds like you have the best attitude to overcome any obstacle that gets in your way.. My husband raced for years and had several breaks along the way, so I know how Carol must have felt. It’s great you have someone so strong standing by your side..I will pray for your quick recovery.
looking forward to christmas 2010 with you baby…can’t wait
Your words are very meaningful to anyone who’s ever wanted to give up. Don’t.
having many bad christmases myself, i too have often asked the question of is the glass of my life half full or empty? not to say that have been through anything like you, cause i haven’t. but the answer i have found for myself is that the glass simply is half. or what ever the amount you have in it. what we do next will determine if we add to it, or take away from it. and from everything i can tell you and carol are adding to it everyday, and everyday is fight you are both fighting together. i wish you the best and you guys are always in my thoughts and prayers. know that i love you both very much. i had hoped to have seen you both by now, it’s just been financially tough.
Life is an adventure that takes us on some amazing journeys. Some of those journeys are great fun and easy. Some of our life journeys will be harder than anything and we will never be the same as a result of that adventure. You and Carol are on a journey that will change you, grow you and cause you do look at life in a new way. I am excited to see all that will happen for both of you as we end 2009 and journey into 2010. I look forward to our friendship growing as we all face the storms of life. Who knows maybe we can take a fun adventure together in 2010. I love checking your updates. Cheri
Two weeks ago, Will, you walked 700 steps and now its 1000. The tide keeps rising in your glass through your efforts and determination. Keep up the good work. I rode with Steve yesterday, he was sporting a new Alpine Stars neck restrain system. I’ll be getting one also as soon as I get back to Austin. Love you guys and hope to see you again soon.
I think you will be amazed next Christmas with how far you’ve come. Last Christmas I had just recently started walking without a cane, but still couldn’t climb a flight of stairs. The 3 steps I had to negotiate to get anywhere in our house was still a nightmare. We didn’t have a Christmas tree…I couldn’t climb a ladder to decorate it. This year I was decorating the tree, when I suddenly realized I was at the top of the ladder and hadn’t even thought about climbing it. I nearly started crying…remembering where my health had been a year ago. When you stop thinking about the everyday challenge nearly every minute of the day. That’s when the glass is full again, I think.
I am proud of you brother and I miss you both. I dont do very well with words so ill just say this… I hope that if the day ever comes that I am faced with adversity like that… Well i hope I have a 10th of the heart and determination that you do brother. Love ya man… Stay strong and dont quit.
So proud of you Will….you are here to tell about your feelings! You are a miracle and a blessing! Love you…
I really don’t have to tell you how I feel. You pretty much know that by now. I still believe what I told you a couple of months ago… that you are already healed, your body just hasn’t caught up yet.
I talk frequently to kids in trouble, defendants, folks with family law problems, and just about every other person who has shit wrong in their life. I always ask them what they “know”
What I know about you brother is this. I don’t need to tell you not to quit. I know you won’t. Ever. I don’t need to tell you to get your mind right. I knew it was right (sort of..) from the beginning of all this. I know that nothing short of 100% will ever satisfy you in this ordeal. I know that you are in pain and that some days suck, but, more importantly, I know you feel what you write and that unless I show up and drink it, your glass will always be half-full. Get some.
will i always enjoy your insight. you are much wiser than your years. It’s not what happens to us in life, it’s how we react to what happens to us. You are an inspiration.
hey cousin. life becomes more interesting when we are forced to slow down, doesn’t it? i look at each day now like an onion, just peeling off one layer at a time, to revel in the fresh new layer beneath, sometimes crying along the way…sometimes holding my breath, but with each new shiny layer comes a new day, with new hope and new opportunity to make this one count more than the last. stay strong… your body will catch up soon.
much love to you and carol. M
will, you do inspire people. your strength knows no bounds and your resolve doesn’t falter. be proud of our accomplishments and keep plugging away. you have our prayers and our best wishes, always!
Will~ you have an incredible way with words. Many prayers and thoughts to you, Carol and family.
That was gorgeous. re: the 1/2 full / 1/2 empty observation that so many toil with, comfort themselves with, hide behind, ‘…purely academic, possibly pointless.’ -i loved this in particular. sometimes i hurt, & i want to be allowed to hurt w/o pushing it away or choosing denial. i won’t linger on the pain, but i don’t want to rename to pretend i live in the world of ‘Hallmark’. Love you 
Will, so good to hear your voice this week. I’m feeling really blessed after catching up with you through your blog. I’ve always known you are a very special person, but you are really going all out to prove it. I am honored to be one that can say “I know that guy”. Yep, you have what it takes and I look forward to seeing you grow through this challenge. You are here for great things. Your strength and courage are a blessing to the rest of us treading water.
Will, can’t say that I have met you, but I was introduced to you, in conversation, by Kirsten and feel that I have gotten acquainted with you through her. To use your “battle” metaphor, there cannot be a war without battles and cannot be battles without adversity. Having loosely followed the your story through Kirsten and reading your ½ empty, ½ full blog, it does sound like you have some battles ahead of you, but the one thing that is not and can never be foretold is how long the war is going to wage. I want to encourage you to realize that ABSOLUTELY no matter how small the battle is a victory is a victory and you have to win the small little known battle to get to the larger battles and greater victories. I cannot sit here and type these comments and tell you that you will win the war only because I can’t see the future. I have not had a life changing experience like you and I have my own battle to fight and subsequently win or lose. This goes for all people out there the only difference is that we have chosen to take control of the battles and fight, where as many other let the battles control them and expect the Cavalry to ride in and to bail them out when the battle starts to turn. Having typed that lengthy analogy, I want to say that WE are the only ones that can judge the level of our glass. People can make their perceptions, and sometimes to the point of being rude and pushy, but ultimately your glass is your glass and mine is mine. As for me my glass is completely full, it holds both substances that I must have to continue to fight my battles, water and air! Best of wishes, my thoughts and prayers!
Thank you for having the courage to share how you feel. There is a lot of strenght in that. Keep hanging in there.
Regarding your Jan 5 comment on your own writing – metaphors/analogies are hard to compose with clarity for the underlying meaning. I think you did it. Have you read any of EB White’s work? CS Lewis?
[...] i wrote “the rim of the glass” i told carol i wasn’t sure if it was any good or if people would understand what i was trying to [...]
wow… where do i even begin? it’s been so long since i’ve blogged, that i practically feel like a stranger in my own space. a lot has happened, the most important of which was my 11/20 discharge from craig and arrival at my new home in indiana. there’s been lots to write about, but the...
by will
44 comments
the folks who got carol’s recent email update are happy for your progress – and this news via your own hand makes us even more thankful. i wish i could see you, brother will.
Will, I am glad to see you are working hard to get better and that work is paying off. Keep going!
Will, you’re truly amazing, and I have no doubts you’ll meet your goals. I hope to speak with you sometime soon.
Well, you are just doing better than I (in my limited knowledge of things up there)could have imagined. I totally believe it’s due to your strength of heart and mind. Never have met you, but I can tell you are the exception to the rule. Your blessed to be young and strong (and have a wonderful partner!) I’m praying for your nerve pain meds,for strength and a tough MA for both of you.
If I don’t communicate before Christmas, I hope yall have the best (in your new home
Jonie
Holy crap Will! You are making tremendous progress. I know you will do all of the things you said. No doubts. Keep kicking ass.
great job! can’t wait to see the progress in person after the first of the year. we are proud of you. keep up the good work.
Dude! That rocks , I knew you would be back on two feet before too long! Great job bro! Keep it up
powelson
Will, that is so awesome!! Keep going foward!
Will Im so glad to hear you are making such great progress!Im not surprised though. You have such strength! I know Marco is so excited to be going up for his visit. I send with him a big hug for both You and beautiful Carol.
“Amazing Will” is your new name. I am so proud of you Will keep on pushing. Love you guys!
Dude, keep up the progress. I have only had the privilege to visit with you on one occasion at the MX Nationals in Freestone, but you left a very positive impression on me during the short time we spoke. My heart and prayers go to you and your family to give you the strength to recover and get back to living life the way it should be. God Bless ya Brutha!!
Dave
Team Ghetto
Hello Will,
I am glad to hear and see you doing so well. It is my hope that you continue to progress in the great manner you have. You are an inspiration to us all and you are fortunate for a partner like Carol.
Keep fighting……. Happy Holidays to all
Mike Berg
“Motodad393″
you go, boy! keep kickin’ ass.
Awesome job Will, you are a fighter and I know you will overcome your goals. Keep up the fight.
Hi Will! I am so thrilled to hear of your progress. I knew if anyone could do this you could! Keep up the hard work and I will continue to pray for your complete healing.
ya know, I would like to say that i’m impressed by your progress, but in reality, i expect nothing less from you! .. This injury is much like the weather I think .. you can let it dictate what you want to do, or you can deal with it, and your doing just that – n good ole’ Will pattison style! .. i’ve never met anyone that does “life” with more heart, drive or passion and this is just one more way you prove the person that you are. as Christmas draws near i am reminded of what the season is about and what really means the most to me .. Jesus, my loving family and my amazing friends! .. I wish you a very merry christmas and a New Year full of gigantic improvements ! – 
) Luv u 2 and i will call you next week!
you are an inspiration to us. you are like the little train that could. you never give up, never surrender-thanks! keep on keepin on. kc
Will – you are an inspiration. Your strength, attitude, and determination are your allies. They are THE REASON you will ultimately win the war, not simply today’s battle. Keep believing. You have me praying for you daily.
Fred
magical, magical, magical
Will, you are an inspiration to many people. You are very much appreciated and in my prayers.
Will, I pray everyday for your recovery and with your determination, I’m sure you will meet your goals.
Hey,
Great to hear the progress and to see the photo of you walking. I know it is still a real battle, but I know you are up to it. Heading down to Mexico in Jan. with friends from KY/OH and plan on meeting up with your big brother at the canyon area for a 10 adventure ride (Every ride in Mexico is an adventure for sure). If should be fun and would be more fun if you were there to share in the adventure. You can have a pass this year given everything, but next year I want to see you on the trip.
Fred
Will – I’m proud of you, but not surprised. If you remember, one of the first things I said to you in college when I first met you and while we were suite mates in Alumni dorm was how inspirational you are as an independent person dedicated to the things you believe in. When you’re passionate about something you can be one of the most stubborn people I know when it comes to getting what you want/believe in, and this journey is no exception. The first thing I said when I first learned about your injury was “if anybody can do it, it is Will”. I sincerely mean that. Congratulations and keep setting extreme stretch goals…you will get there! doug otts
Cannot tell you how happy I am to hear this good news. You are really something — you both are. I know it takes a lot of strength in mind, body and spirit to make these kinds of strides. Hang in there. Hope yall have a great Christmas there in your new home.
Keep pushing! Since our very first visit I’ve been watching your remarkable drive and determination propel you forward through this rehab process. Thank you for sharing your story and for being such an inspiration to others!
we are inspired by your steadfast determination to be the victor in this physical, emotional and spiritual war! “i press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me.” phil 3:14a press on brother!
Andale pues, Will.
keep up the good work will!!!
Keep it up big boy , I expect that leg thrown over a 1-800-RUA-GURU , Ching-Shin, Honda CR 450 R ready to really hook up!
Love Dr. “K”
Where in Indiana Dude?
You are one scary dude. I thought I was tough. I knew that I respected you from day one, but dude, you are a beast. Keep kicking ass. James
this, too, shall past…keep up with your good work and we look forward to seeing you next year.
A lot of us like to say we “walk the talk,” but your picture is worth a thousand words. Love it, Will! You’re an inspiration, my friend.
Sa-weet, I’m looking forward to walkabout in Indiana.
Yeap, it sounds like the Will I know.
That’s great news, Will. I’m still waiting for the day I see you back at the track, taking those pictures we all cherish so much. Keep up the fight.
it’s hard to imagine anyone more determined than you! your progress is amazing – keep up the good work! there’s lots of ppl pulling for you. (notice how I didn’t capitalize) 
ahhh – it seems none of your friends capitalize! love it!
totally awesome–what a christmas gift.
Your progress is a joy to read about. Your determination is an inspiration. Now if I can make this lump in my throat go away.
I read this to my mom, Will, and I started crying. I’m so happy to hear every progress you make, no matter how big or small – cuz they are all HUGE after what you’ve gone through. And I’m overjoyed that you found some meds that will be helpful. I started, and quickly ended, gabapentin. That was horrible. I decided acupuncture was right for me and my arm…and it has been. No surgery for me! Keep pluggin right along, my dear friend! You’re doing GREAT!!!
So good to see you are making progress!
Sounds like the return of lightning will be in the forecast some time soon.
Res firma mitescre nescit!!
Will… all I can think of after reading this last post… I wouldn’t want to be any enemy of yours. Enjoy your Christmas at HOME!
i’ve been thinking a lot about what to say for this blog post; not because i don’t know what i want to write about, but because it’s about something that’s just difficult to do justice to. the good news is, i have the perfect photograph because it’s one of those images that truly is worth...
by will
21 comments
You said it very well!
I am proud of you both.
words cannot express… i love you with my whole heart.
kirsten – thank you for typing this.
Will, that was a wonderful testament to someone who seems to be wonderful.
Carol, knowing Will, and the person he is, even as a 16 year old boy, I know you must be special. I can see you as a caring, giving, and loving woman. Your strength seems to give him what he needs to help him through this hard time……I am glad you found this connection and hope your devotion and love will last a lifetime.
Our prayers are still with you,
Stacey
brought me to tears! love you both!
That was a beautiful photograph, and even more beautiful prose. Keep up the strength and hard work. Hari and I will see you both soon.
Yep, she’s a very cool chick for sure!! Nice blog man..
Will, I continue to be in awe of the way you express yourself in your blog. The words just seem to flow and my eyes start to tear up. You are a lucky man.
Will, I had no idea until this morning. My heart went sad to know you have this bump in the road, but a bump is all it is. It is ironic that I wrote your name this morning about 6:00 as a reminder to email you today about my annual benefit race on new Year’s Day. I went to RiderDown thinking I might use them as a benficiary of my race this year. That is when I saw your name and read your blog. You are so strong, and I know you will get through this. You were named appropriately. You will be in my prayers.
Well said, Will. Carol is special and you are a lucky man to have her backing you up.
Will, I’m blown away with your courage, your outlook, and your perseverance. There are times I look for inspiration in my work. I search for it often. However, when I search for inspiration in life, I wont have to look much further than this blog. I will be thinking of you often.
Wow, once again you managed to make me cry! Very inspirational. You both are lucky to have found true love within each other – I know God will continue to bless you both and help you heal soon!
Oh Will – Army life for a quarter of a century…Desert Shield and Storm, IRA terrorist victims, gruesome things on a regular basis – none made my eyes fill quite the way they did reading that. You are a quite extraordinary person with a gift of astute perception of the human soul and a gift of expressing it in a heart-touching way. Not bad for a colonial yank! And Carol, well you summed it up better than any of the rest of us could. God was having an inspired day when you two found each other.
A propos having a deep and powerful experience such as yours to relate and a gift for coherent and engaging monologue (note non-colonial spelling here), you remind me of Pliny and what he had to say about people like you:
“Equidem beatos puto quibus deorum munere datum est: aut facere scribenda aut scribere legenda: beatissimos vero quibus utrumque”
He wrote that little gem in a letter to his pal Tacitus and he meant “those who have have experienced something in life worth writing about are fortunate: those who can write something worth reading are fortunate, but the most blessed of all are those to whom it is given to have both” That’s you.
once again, i’ve teared up reading your blog. you are extremely fortunate to have carol by your side. she’s awesome. love to you both.
amazing
Will what a beautiful testimony to Carol.
I want you to remember the faith you were brought up with. Remember the faith that your grandparents had over the healing of their son. The faith of your parents that has been in their lives. It is our Lord Jesus that will sustain you in those moments of total aloneness that you feel. Many people come into our lives to personify Him, is love, caring nature. But it is Him that will never leave that will live inside us to see us through lifes most difficult moments, and celebrate along with our joy.
As I read the comments on your blog, hundreds are praying for God’s healing of your body, spirit, and through your words, I see results. Hundreds are praying for Carol, as she goes through this journey with you, to protect her as she travels, to guide her as she makes decisions, and bless her with family, friends, and the means for all the needs.
One foot at a time, one minitue, one hour, one day, but an eternity with your Lord.
Love you both,
love you brother
Will, that was incredible. I am so glad that you have someone at your side to help you. Having known you a lifetime ago, I know that you will accomplish anything you set your mind to, you are an incredible person. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
WILL YOU ARE A LOVER AND A FIGHTER.
I cried when I read your blog And I continue to be inspired
by your love for each other and for your loving and fighting spirit. Thinking of you every day…
Phil and Meme
Oh gosh! As I am reading your blog Will I am in tears. Just knowing what you and are Carol are having to deal with. My friend Carol my hats off to you C-Note! I am so proud of you and pray for you guys everyday that God continues to give you courange and strenght to keep on moving on!
I love you both!!!!!
Wil.
I can’t even imagine what you have been though. I have been though a few challanges but not like your. What I do know is you have to hope, pray and believe a better day lies ahead, and it does. You have accomplished a lot but the best is yet to come!
Steve
determined man walking i’ve always considered myself to be pretty well versed in the vagaries and varieties of physical pain. sort of a connoisseur of misery, if you will. it’s a distinction that originated in the fact that my father’s approach to sympathy towards childhood malfunctions was decidedly john wayne in flavor. i distinctly remember...
by will
21 comments
Great blog as always. What blows my mind is that you’re the one who is injured and yet you’re still the one who is inspiring people. You’re awesome Boss! Keep up the great work!
Hey Will!
When I met you in Cham I thought that you`re kind of crazy guys, caz of skiing, biking etc. Now Im realize that I was wrong, not you are kind of crazy guys but crazy guys kind of you
I hope that you past was enough to be tough and soon you`ll be ready for new challenges!
what a blog!!! Will keep up that attitude and we will keep praying for you. Alan
And yet with all that pain you’re able to inspire us with your elequant words.
Wil, keep up the great efforts. You will come out better than ever before in many ways you have not seen yet. I heard a quote one time that “tough times never last, tough people do.” When I see pictures of you working out I keep hearing the theme to “Rocky” in my head. Keep pushing.
It can only be good that you feel pain. The more pain the more nerves are still working. Had dinner with Dustin last night and we talked about you and your fight. Keep fightin’ brother…walkin’ is real good. See you soon.
your continued ability to find the positives of experience is amazing and inspiring!
love it when you blog cause it’s always a great read. good to see the “walking” pic too. you are doing awesome.
We were talking about if we each had some sort of motto today in the courthouse. Someone asked me and I replied “NEVER QUIT. EVER.”
Thought of you buddy.
Amen to that Will. Keep focused on the forever–and your positive attitude. Thanks for inspiring words.
love you cousin Sherri
Your story sure puts everything else in life in its proper perspective. Thanks for sharing. Praying for you.
Ever wonder where Dad got that expression? From his Dad of course.
Excellent words. Will, I do think you missed your one true calling. If you ever learn to use capital letters, you might do pretty darn well at this writing business.
Keep your head high and your eyes on the prize. We are all pulling for you.
Will,
You graduated a while ago into a truly fine Professional
Photographer. I witnessed this first hand. After reading your blog I think you are equally good as a writer.I can’t wait to see
what you do with all of this talent. Love, Phil and Meme
Wow! Will, you are an amazing writer. Photographer, racer, engineer…hmmmm… I think writer is definitely on the list.
Keep up the good fight!
Q
Hey Will, your blog deserves to be capitalized, maybe every letter. Your spirit and inspiration is definitely upper case. I’m a fan watching your progress.
will, it IS in the valley’s where we grow. keep smilin’, keep positive and keep working hard and KNOW that we are all still praying for you and carol. we love you — jackie (mom)
Will, I’m reading a nonfiction piece about the Dust Bowl – it’s called The Worst Hard Time by Timothy Egan. As I read, I keep making connections about OE Pattison and his brood of 5 motherless children on a homestead in northern Curry County … we know where OHP got his grit!
Will, my Occupational Therapist and I hope to see you write a book once this ordeal is over. I believe in you and I know you can beat this. So, where is Craig anyway? Are you able to type or do you use voice command for your post? I just love reading the updates. You are such an inspiration to me. Wish I was there to give you a hug. keep up the good work!
Will, pain is temporary! You are a survivor! We go through life with junk happening, but we have to trust the only One who knows the bigger picture…He sees down the road what we don’t see. You and Carol are in our hearts and in our prayers everyday. We are looking forward to seeing you walking all by yourself…many blessings and peace to both of you. Our love!
Hey Will…. if you “ride” this obstacle course as you ride that #19 (Dirtweek at Cooperland…) you will be fine. In any case we wish you the best and hope to keep track of your recovery
semper fi!
by will
23 comments