Erin Field: 5 Years of being a Quadriplegic
A poem and video of photos/videos from the last 5 years since I became a quadriplegic in 2017. The poem is written below:
Today I think about all of the tears I've cried
But today 5 years ago a chimney collapsed on me and I actually died
My heart stopped for two minutes as I laid there with a broken neck
Breathing tubes, a feeding tube, on a ventilator, I was a wreck
It could have been the last time I saw my friends & family and jack, the love of my life
The pain throughout my whole body felt like I was being stabbed by a knife
Bedtime in the icu. Darkness. Pain. DREADING being turned every couple of hours
Constant beeping, vivid nightmares, staring at dead flowers
Where's my mom? I can't move. I can't speak. I'm so cold.
Begging to stand up for a minute, I'm told sorry no, it's time to be rolled.
Excruciating neck pain. And what was wrong with my shoulder?
Every day I forgot what happened to me, my mom realized "we shouldn't have told her"
Leaving the icu and heading to rehab, my mom finally got to wash the blood out of my hair
I couldn't wait to get off the vent to talk and breathe my own air
I would not have made it through without my mom and my brother,
I'm so freaking thankful for them and many others
Almost 4 months of rehab, and finally it's over. Trying to understand this life, my head was spinning.
Next my mom and I moved into a new apartment in Boston, and realized-this was only the beginning.
6 months go by and I'm back at college to finish my senior year
No one thought I would do it, but after graduation I knew I would persevere
3 years and 8 more surgeries later, I'm so glad I remained positive and didn't let my bad days take over
My English bulldogs got me through all of my toughest days,
They have helped me through this physical and emotional maze
The old me is gone and the grief- well that's hard to get over
It feels like you're at your own funeral but without any closure.
I lost a lot of friends in the process
But the new friends and community were worth it
Although my disability HAS changed me, it's made me appreciate all the small things bit by bit
So please don't take anything for granted, you never know when you're whole life might change
I realized that if I can live through pain daily, I can do almost anything I set my mind to
So bring on law school, bring on independence, bring on every single break through
Everything I've accomplished would be impossible without Jack-my soul mate, my caregiver, here's a throwback
It's been a crazy 5 years even though I know I'm just getting started on my journey
I can't wait to continue to fight for more accessibility and disability rights as an attorney.
Пікірлер: 347
I work as a nurse and when I care for newly paralyzed patients it's so heart wrenching, knowing all the loss they are grieving and that much of what I have to do for them ranges from unpleasant to miserable. I never get to see them after rehab and after processing that grief somewhat. I never get to know if they go on to find fulfillment in life. This video gives me some hope and closure 😢
@ErinField
Жыл бұрын
Aww I love that, thank you so much! And yes it's so hard in the beginning and I can't imagine how hard it is to see that all the time! I went back to visit my ICU floor and they were so so happy!
@AndreaSanti-fn3qx
7 ай бұрын
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
@AndreaSanti-fn3qx
7 ай бұрын
God bless you Forever
@michaezell4607
Ай бұрын
I'm so sick of females presenting the negative stereotype that ONLY females can become paralyzed or sick with a chronic disease like cystic fibrosis when it's just NOT the truth!! In 2022 I had to undergo colon surgery to remove my ascending colon due to large polyps when in the world according to what I call "girlietube " I should not have even been permitted to have the surgery in the first place because I'm gasp!! NOT a female. The only reason why females constantly create content such as this is because females are hardwired to crave attention and popularity from other females as they're in a constant evolutionary struggle to find suitable reproductive partners. This is also why this trend is more widespread among preteen and teenage girls than it is among older females. Either way it is a false stereotype and one that I am SICK of seeing on this platform all the time because contrary to the stereotype you may be surprised to learn that gasp!! Males can easily end up paralyzed just as easily as females.
As a disability support worker in Australia, I am crying hearing those last words. I wish you an amazing career that will give so much back to those who need it ❤you are beautiful inside and out ❤
I was feeling sorry for myself and then I watched this video. It made me think about life in general and how difficult it is but how you handled your situation is truly inspiring. Thank you you really have no idea how many people you help and don't even know it.
@rollingon6358
Жыл бұрын
Why were you feeling sorry for yourself?
YOUR LUCKY BECAUSE YOU ARE SURROUNDED BY GREAT PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN THEIR FOR YOU, AND THAT TRULY MAKES A DIFFERENCE ❤️
@paulbroderick8438
Жыл бұрын
Words of wisdom, I do declare..
When I consider some of life's problems and I stumble upon this, you really put things in perspective for me
My youngest brother broke his neck about 27 years ago, C4/5 injury. His drive and determination is actually what got me through so many ordeals in my life. Watching him power through so many real problems made me realize how insignificant my petty "problems" really were. He's truly an inspiration to everyone around him as you will be also. In the early years I used to ask him how he dealt with so many struggles, and his reply would almost always be, "it's not so bad." I asked him one time what he missed the most from his walking days, and it's the feeling of taking his shoes off at the end of the day. One day when you're up to it, you should do a video on how you feel hunger, pain, whatever you feel like talking about. So many people don't know all the intricacies of quadriplegia. I wish you the best of luck, I don't think you're gonna need it though. Determination will see you through everything, and you seem to have plenty of that.
What an incredibly courageous young woman!
@ErinField
Жыл бұрын
Thank you 🥹♥️
Thank you for telling your story - clearly you are a force to be reckoned with! We need more good, kick ass lawyers and you’re going to take the lead. You be you 🌺
@ErinField
Жыл бұрын
Thank you so much! I really appreciate it🥹🥰♥️
Andrew I Batavia's memoir Wisdom from a chair is about a lawyer who wrote the ADA regulations. He was a quadriplegic who led a remarkable life.
May you be the best lawyer there ever will be 🙂.
@ErinField
2 жыл бұрын
Aw thank you so much 🥹🙏🏻
@morgancalvi6675
2 жыл бұрын
@@ErinField so welcome.
@thomasranjit7781
Жыл бұрын
@@ErinFieldpray to Christ Lord Jesus, he will help you in all ways, our disappointments are our appointments with God almighty. Life is a path we all need to walk, some have it a bit easier than others. 🙏🙏🙏
@sybfo9401
Жыл бұрын
will ever be.
@morgancalvi6675
Жыл бұрын
@@sybfo9401 'May you be the best lawyer there 'will ever be.''..makes sense...thanks. (If you were correcting my grammar I mean.) I am always open to learning.
Your strength is unmatchable.
@ErinField
10 ай бұрын
Thank you ♥️🫶🏻
An inspiering story. A very brave young lady.
Thank you for this. I wish for you the best. We are truly spirits in a material world.
I'm crying because you are such an inspiration. So glad you are going to work to change things for the better for the disability community. What an amazing journey. Thank you for sharing it!
@ErinField
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much!!🥹🥰♥️🙏🏻
Miss Erin ~ you are a strong, dynamic, courageous young woman who serves as an inspiration to all. I wish you my heartfelt best ... ❤
Thank you for sharing your story! I have no doubt that you will find all the happiness in the world!
The 'friends' you lost are not your friends in the first place. God bless you
Thanks so much for posting your story. It’s so easy to take all the small things for granted. Your courage, strength, and positivity is suck an encouragement. I wish you all the best.
Thank you for sharing this as it helps so many people of different walks. Bless you and I am also thanking that wonderful man Jack for his devotion to you.
Every day is a new day... a new day to make a difference. And YOU ARE THAT DIFFERENCE. you may not know it, but people need you.... your family needs you, other disabled ones need you. Every day is a new day to breath in... to experience life. Stay Strong Erin - Stay Beautiful.
You are so brave and courageous- overcoming all obstacles in your way! I truly admire your achievements and your positive spirit- you inspire me to be a better version of myself and to live each day to the full. Thankyou for being here to inspire us with your story! I wish you the most wonderful life & future with your beloved Jack. May you always be surrounded by love, laughter and abundant blessings.🙏❤
You're an amazing lady. Stay strong and positive. You are so lucky to have your mom, brother, and soul mate. All of us need to appreciate life a bit more, and be the best person we can each day. Thank you for sharing.
Badass cannot be denied. You are my people. I'm so proud to be part of the same species as you. So much respect.
Hello Erin, I really hope, and believe, that medical advancements are happening so fast these days that there is a fair chance for you to see a cure within your lifetime. The whole world is working together every day to make things like that happen and I hope that you get to see and experience these medical breakthroughs. In the mean time, stay strong and try to find fulfillment in all the things you can still do :-) Big huggies!
So glad to see your success story! Blessing to you and your family! You CAN do it!!❤️🧸
From now on I will follow your channel and applaud with great enthusiasm every little progress you make.
Thank you for sharing your journey. I cant express how much we all need people such as yourself, Truly Thank you
You're awesome Erin, keep up the amazing work! You're an inspiration.
Wow..your a fighter...what you went through with all the trauma and with all the love from freinds and family and coming through Law school you are a true inspiration to alot of people, and so much creativity and success in many ways through your total nightmare have come from this and respect...I wish you continued love and future happiness in your strive for ambition for life and me for one and everybody who has seen this video of events leading up to where you are now....think you are amazing and with all the fight and compassion...the best lawyer that anyone could have! ❤️❤️❤️
Wow what a powerful video. Your strength is and will power deserves so much respect
Thank-you so much for sharing your story. You are an amazing person that gives so much inspiration to others.
Thank you for sharing your story. You’ve played the cards you’re given. Well done. Keep reaching. There is much yet to do. Proud of you.
Nothing is taking you down! Your one of the ones who’s mind and attitude is strong! ❤.
I hate that in life 😢we have to experience loosing friends during hard times. Not compare to yours all the sudden tragic accident but I had spinal fusion due to scoliosis ; brace and surgery changed a lot in my life during Pre HS. I’m glad your living your life to the fullest.
First, your an amazing lady and I'm very proud of you!!! Your worse is behind you, and life is in front of you, never give up! The friends you lost were never your friends cause true friends stay close. May you find the strength to always fight for your future find and joy and happiness every day, and believe that miracles do happen. Keep your faith! May the Lord continue to watch over you, your wonderful family, boyfriend and dogs too!!! They are truly very special 💙🙏🙌😇
It’s so great you survived that !!!! Your beautiful inside and out!!!
Bless your heart. I lost both of my legs 13 yrs ago this coming July. I was in horrible trucking accident. However, 6 more inches on the right leg and wouldn’t be here telling my story. I have found many places that aren’t wheelchair accessible. Handicap stall not big enough for wheelchairs. As long as the bars are in place in the restrooms they are ADA compliant. The list goes on like wheelchair’s cost an arm and leg.
I admire the way you enjoy your life despite your stroke of fate, you have not lost your courage. You are a great role model, a really strong woman. 💖
@ErinField
Жыл бұрын
Thank you so much!🥰🙏🏻
Sorry for your pain and suffer, I wishing you well and happiness years a head,, My love one die from ALS I was a main care giver to the last day.. Stay strong keep positive out look....
What an inspiring story. Thank you for sharing.
You’re strong. You’re intelligent. You’re thoughtful. And you’re beautiful inside & out. You’ve got the makings of a STRONG lawyer. Now get out there & kick some legal ass!!! You got this girl!!!! Keep us updated!
Been following your videos for a while. Your positivity is infectious and it's amazing to see how far you've come. Keep killin it Erin, we all support you!
@actuary33
Жыл бұрын
Not to be the dick here but there was a sign in the stairwell that said stay off roof. Common sense would tell u don't put weight on a 200 yr old chimney. Now she's suing the hammock people. Blame the stove for burning the ham
It makes me so sad to hear that you lost so many friends while experiencing the darkest days of your life. I lost many friends because of my severe mental health struggles with depression. I’m sure your new friends are amazing.
@bevanbuckwheatshea5520
Жыл бұрын
Sorry to hear about your situation Kim. I was told to mix only with mental health people and stay away from non mental health people. Unfortunately people dont want to mix or be friends with mental health people as they are worried aboit possibly trouble or violence. If possible make a life for yourself. Much better (as I have found) than mixing and associating with people with mental health issues and other problems like drugs and alcohol addiction and people who are abusive and engaged in criminal behavior. Take care
@dalesmith4985
Жыл бұрын
If People leave you in your darkest times, they are not real friends.
@naomisgram1
4 ай бұрын
I thought the same thing, if I had a friend who found themselves in a situation like yours, I would still always be their friend
I love seeing you reach for Jack in the ICU and his taking your hand. Best image ever!
@ErinField
Жыл бұрын
Aw thank you so much! and I really don't even remember that
mad respect for anyone who sticks around threw that.
Thank you for sharing your story. You are an inspiration.
Thank you for the video, you make me cry, God Bless you.
Dear Erin I wish you all the Best. You will be that Beacon of hope for others who desperately need their voice to be heard. May those who support and love you grow in numbers and be with you always❤
@ErinField
7 ай бұрын
Aww thank you so much!!🥹♥️🙏🏻
Very proud of you and your progress you’ve made ❤
You are a beacon of light. I hope you're proud of yourself because you should be. Your positive attitude and determination is an inspiration for all. Thank you for sharing your story ❤
@ErinField
Жыл бұрын
Thank you so much!🥹♥️🙏🏻
The only thing I can say is that I wish you all the very best in your life!!!! You are an inspiration!!!!
Thank you beautiful girl for sharing your story. 2 Years ago, i had a severe injury in my pelvis due to a Chiropractor manipulation in that area. I've been 2 years of unbearable pain everyday. I haven't found answers and i was thinking to take my life a few months ago. But see these stories like yours gives me so much strength. You don't know how much this helps. I don't have family with me, they are in another country so i don't have much help. And like you most of my old friends are gone since i have this condition in my body. But watching this makes me feel my problem is minor. Thank you again beautiful girl ❤
You are truly amazing and inspiring...thanks Jack for everything and thank you for the man you are ... I know everything you 2 want you will make it happen ..I love you and strongs ...
Thank you for letting us know your story.
I so admire your strength of character and courage to adapt and grow. Y'all are going to have a wonderful life! God bless. 🙏
@ErinField
10 ай бұрын
Aww thank you so much!🥹♥️
What a beautiful soul ❤
@ErinField
Жыл бұрын
Thank you 🥹♥️
@msprecious3498
Жыл бұрын
@@ErinField 😉💖
Wow! What an amazing story of overcoming whatever life throws at you. God bless you and your family!
@ErinField
Жыл бұрын
Thank you so much!🫶🏻🙏🏻♥️
Stay strong. You are an inspiration to many out there.
The very best to you and your family Erin.
Thank you so much for sharing! I am sure you will make a huge impact in the future! The best do you❤❤❤❤❤
@ErinField
Жыл бұрын
Thank you so much!🥰
Wow. What a story. You are the champion for having to endure all of that. You are also the champion poem writer. More accessibility and disability rights... sounds like a plan and coincidentally the world could use one more good attorney for that endeavor.
Wish you all the best dear. May god continue to bless you with your super strength and determination!
Thank you for sharing your story and your journey . As someone who has a physical disability I understand the struggles and I too lost friends after my accident and the new friends I have are true friends . Your words are powerful and seeing how you have worked so hard on you and I'm so glad that your partner has stood by you . Sounds like he is an incredible human . I don't know you but I'm really happy for you . Take care
@ErinField
Жыл бұрын
You are so kind! Thank you so much. I hope you're doing well🥰
Outstanding words of wisdom. Thank you for inspiring so many...
@ErinField
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much!!🥰
What a remarkable woman you are Erin - I send you my hopes and wishes for your continued resilience. xxx
@ErinField
Жыл бұрын
Thank you so much 🥹♥️
Thank you so much for sharing and I’m so Srry that this all happened. And you are so right don’t take life for granted
From one quad to another... you've come a long way. God Bless you. 😊👍
@ErinField
Жыл бұрын
You are so kind! Thank you so much♥️🙏🏻
I hope I can be this strong through life's struggles. Inspirational
I went through a medical emergency that changed my life, just not as difficult as yours. It's just so strange how many emotions, thoughts, fears, hopes, and plain ole just don't know what we go through in situations like these that are so hard to explain without going through it yourself. It can shake your soul down to its very core and I believe it's how we come through the other side mentally determines how we adjust and move on with our new selves. You see the world in different ways and process things differently now. You see others and see their pain through their eyes. Life will never be the same as it was, and that's ok, you finally accept. For now, you have a new mission in life. To explore and find what this new person can do, wants to do, and most of all to seek out the ones to share God's love with since He loved me first and gave me a new life.
you are doing great Erin! We all care about you!
@ErinField
Жыл бұрын
Thank you so much!🥰❤️
God bless you and your journey. It may not be the journey you expected, nor wanted, but the good lord above has wonderful plans for you. Stay strong!!
Amazing story, well done, your Bulldogs are almost as beautiful as you, you are a shinning star, God bless you and your family!
@ErinField
Жыл бұрын
You are so kind! Thank you 🥰
Never give up Erin, never give up. Every breath of life is worth it....
God I'm so sorry for you Erin :(. Thx for sharing your story. It's crazy how life can change so suddenly, and all of us never think it'll happen to us until it does =/. And. . .Jack is awesome!
@ErinField
Жыл бұрын
It is crazy! Thank you so much, I feel very blessed♥️🙏🏻
what a wondwrful girl! How much courage, determination and love for life!!
@ErinField
Жыл бұрын
Thank you so much 🥹♥️🙏🏻
I've been struggling with depression and feeling like i can't do certain things anymore and then I saw your videos and it brought me help. You are inspiring and thank you for sharing your journey with all of us❤
@ErinField
6 ай бұрын
You are so kind, I'm so sorry to hear you're struggling! Sending you lots of love🫶🏻
Seeing that broken chimney just makes me feel sick. Jack sitting on the hammock and having it topple must have crushed him too. Life changed forever in a second for both of you.
All the best wishes to you, your family and all your future endeavors.
@ErinField
Жыл бұрын
Thank you so much ♥️🙏🏻
Thank you. I think this story should be going viral and getting Nike and Bud Light promotional deals.
I'm so glad you're doing better now. 😌
Great video everyone should see. Keep on being great and moving forward with your goals.
@ErinField
Жыл бұрын
Thank you very much!♥️🙏🏻
@sonnykruger3506
Жыл бұрын
@@ErinField No problem. Thank you for sharing your inspirational story!
Holy what an inspiration you are!! ❤
Dear Erin You have proved that nothing can stop you from achieving your dreams! God bless you and may I recommend books written by Joni Erickson Tada who is also a quadriplegic
😘thank you for sharing. I know that it sounds really weird...( not everyone will understand this) but Happy Life Day! You are living and loving and learning. Life is full. And I'm grateful for you.
@ErinField
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you so so much!!!🥹🥰🙏🏻
thank you for sharing this beautiful poem. you are such a important soul, u are meant to be here, you can help so many people❤ im rooting for you❤ rooting for us together as a strong, unbreakable tribe❤❤❤
@ErinField
Жыл бұрын
Thank you so much!!🥹♥️
What a wonderful loving person hope they find a cure
You are a true picture of resilience. I am disable, i know that we persistence we can have a productive life.
You have a great family. You are a remarkable person. I am certain you will be an excellent lawyer. Be Well.
@ErinField
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much!🥹💕
Awesome. Thank you for posting.
You go girl and love the dogs and your boyfriend is a keeper !!!! You are marvelous !!!
@ErinField
Жыл бұрын
Thank you so much!♥️
@VoxWodler
Жыл бұрын
@@ErinField He is still with you?
What an experience! Glad you've been able to persevere to be where you are now! 🙏🙏🙏💪❤🌹
@ErinField
11 күн бұрын
Yes! Thank you!
Your such an inspiration!!! I'm going to share your story/videos, with my niece, I try my best to tell her to keep her head up, that she's still here! And she has a purpose! I feel in my heart this will help her more than my words ever could!!! Thank you❤ prayer's up and much love always 🥰😘😍
@ErinField
4 ай бұрын
Aww thank you so much!🥹♥️
@conmcnard8468
4 ай бұрын
Your most welcome! And thank you! You truly are an angel among us❤️
Good Luck with everything Erin!
Blown away! Only found ya... Well here goes a a few hours going through your videos
Nice person- THIS is a genuinely strong and resilient woman. Continue healing. Mind and body. Look to nutrition to help with this next part of your journey.
You will get there you were born to achieve and know what it is like to go to the other side and come back. Not many people can say they have had your journey and new appreciation of life and purpose. God bless keep shining.😅
Wow! Such an inspiration. God bless!
Inspirational...all the best.
I just admire you and I don't k now you but I pray for yor healing I pray God will give you all the strength to endure persevere and have a full life May God bless Your boyfriend and your mother
Thank you for sharing your story!!!
@ErinField
6 ай бұрын
Thanks for watching!🥹🥰