It was great collaborating with you again Brittney, such a deep, thought provoking conversation. Any suggestions for questions we can ask each other next time?

@westiepower2020

9 ай бұрын

Freddo, are you asking all of us, or just Brittney? If I am allowed to suggest a question, here goes, and my wife took a long time to really come to terms with it especially when we realize she was born with it, was how long did it take you to become comfortable with your disability? And, as a separate question, how long did it take you to be comfortable in public with your wheelchair? A good friend whom I deeply respect once said that she “made friends with her wheelchair”. I’m again thinking of my wife who doesn’t use a wheelchair, but she has a relatively new aid to help her get around.

I was born disabled. I can tell you, without a doubt, I would be a different person. I would be more of an ahole. I'm sure of it. Being disabled has taught me how to treat people with genuine compassion

I’m definitely in the camp of : The reason is what you make of it.

@klasandersson7522

9 ай бұрын

And since I´m a bit casual about alot of things and am a big fan of Sir Terry Pratchett I sumerise it to; Shit happens! 😉 Call me blase if you want, but having had t1d for 45+ years and getting a LOT of complications from it have made me a bit hard to convince of things of a "god-like" nature...

I (age52)just became paralyzed of Nov 2022. 5 months after my 31 year old son died. They told me I could die from my emergency surgery. Deep down I wanted to. When I woke up & found out I was paralyzed somehow I that was my punishment for wanting to die. I have been in and out of hospital and rehab for over 8 months. I finally came home June 26 of this year. I believe in a higher existence. I don’t have a community to support me but my husband (sister sometimes). I found your channel and it has helped me immensely.

@FreddotheWheelchairGuy

9 ай бұрын

That’s a crazy story, sorry to hear about your son dying. That must have been really tough. Don’t be too hard on yourself for the dark thoughts you had, it’s very natural. I had them too. I hope content like this gives you hope that life after paralysis can be very fulfilling, despite the obvious setbacks ❤️

@EmpoweredPara

9 ай бұрын

It's hard being paralyzed at any age but especially at an older age. Dark thoughts are natural, especially when you lose someone you love. There is so much beauty in this life if we can just learn to ride those waves that try to drown us. Keep your head up friend, the ride gets easier. If you need support feel free to email me. empoweredpara@gmail.com

Such a deep and very interesting conversation.

❤❤such a difficult question… there may be no reason but dealing with it is the challenge…. Brit, you have done well..

Very important topic ! Thank you for that ^^

Very deep discussion. One that I have had many times over the years.

@EmpoweredPara

9 ай бұрын

And? What's your take on it?

Thank you for doing this 😊

@EmpoweredPara

9 ай бұрын

thanks for watching!

Great discussion. I am religious but I think everyone should believe in what they want (but I think believing in SOMETHING helps in life). I don’t really believe God had a plan for me, I don’t really believe I woke up January 19, 2022 and He said “Today’s the day I paralyze Chris.” I do believe though He gave me the tools to navigate this new life: strength (physically and mentally), a very positive attitude, sense of humor (because sometimes if you can’t laugh about stuff you’d cry your eyes out). Those are just my thoughts. I can’t wait to hear what other questions you guys tackle! These are great, you guys are great with these videos.

@FreddotheWheelchairGuy

9 ай бұрын

Wonderful comment. I’m glad you enjoy these conversations. Any questions for the next one?

@EmpoweredPara

9 ай бұрын

Of there's anything I believe in, it's what you said. That God helps us cope by giving is strength and personal qualities that help us navigate our new challenges

I think God helps one through whatever situation one may find oneself in.

Brittney, did you see the video from a few days ago of Fred’s girlfriend Christina piggy-backing him up and down the stairs? Bloody awesome!! What a lovely couple!

i was wondering what would be your response to people who say that paralyzed people shouldn't have kids , cause I see a lot of people who say that it is selfish especially for high level quads to have kids?even thou I don't agree with that.

@FreddotheWheelchairGuy

9 ай бұрын

Great question, we can tackle that one in our next chat 👌

Life is a series of random choices! CHOOSE WISELY. (C6-C7 since 1979)

Sorry, but I think saying there is a reason for getting paralyzed is total B.S. I would definitely go back and change it so that I would not get paralyzed.

What an engaging conversation! SO GOOD! There were so many takeaways, but oh boy the release of judgment, #thestruggleisreal But I also love when you said you look for new ways to relate to others. If more people did that we would have a much more unified society. When we listen to understand we learn to love! Thank you both for sharing! 🥰

@EmpoweredPara

9 ай бұрын

Such a great conversation. No right answer either which is beautiful!

You are making me think waaay too hard! I think it’s more of an “it is what it is”. IMHO, an accident is an accident - not pre-ordained. To me, church is a community with some things in common, yet not a lot of things, because I argue about things there a lot. But yet enough in common - not in a real religiously sense - more in a fellowship/friendship sense. Although it is easy for me, because my church is considered by many others to be “religion-lite” - no heavy rules, no judgement, all are welcome regardless of ethnicity, gender, sexual-orientation, etc. I like to think I relate to lots of different people; probably moreso as I age. And, yes, I agree that we are all more similar than how we do “minor” things a lil differently. Live happy and fulfilled Freddo and Brittney!

Fred and Brittney, do you know much about Exoskeletons? I was reading reports from BC and Alberta (the Glenrose I think) this morning about work they were doing with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Exoskeletons. It was quite interesting as apparently it can be used by quadriplegics as well as paraplegics. So then I think maybe for paraplegics with all levels of injury? I’m going to read up more on this.

@EmpoweredPara

7 ай бұрын

I don't follow that kind of stuff. Too busy being awesome in a wheelchair to worry about when I might walk again lol!

@westiepower2020

7 ай бұрын

@@EmpoweredPara Fully understandable. And you are certainly being awesome in your life! My wife and I so much appreciate that we get to follow along.

Hi. Would you please talk about your bed matress. It looks like you use a topping on top of your matress.

It’s a truly tough question and would depend on the individual. I think everything can be over analyzed. It’s the sliding door scenario if you ever saw that movie. Or is it merely a matter of being in the right or wrong place at the right or wrong time. Be it a life changing accident or randomly meeting the person who becomes your spouse because you decided to go out and not stay home 🤷🏼‍♀️. KWIM?

There is no reason for anything. Shit happens on a random basis. No reasonable "higher power" would allow war, child abuse, violent crimes, or any other of a long list of horrors. Interesting discussion, though. You are both thoughtful, intelligent people!

@EmpoweredPara

9 ай бұрын

My thoughts exactly!

I fully believe I was paralyzed to open ReYu and to bring Canada into the forefront in Neurorecovery. There's absolutely a reason for everything that happens...it's up to us to find that reason. It took me 4 years to find the reason.

@EmpoweredPara

9 ай бұрын

Imagine all the lives you've changed! Not even just at ReYu! Not sure where I'd be without your support abd encouragment! No matter what I do, you're always there to cheer me on!

@JamesSmith-pm9gp

9 ай бұрын

I can’t even imagine how many people you’ve helped and improved their lives at ReYu. Great job Bean! I hope to get a tour of your facility next spring!

at the moment I don't really know how I feel about my accident. If I could change one thing about it. that would be not busting my head open and having 5 staples to close the wound. they hurt going in and coming out. I am still learning or Should I say relearning how to do things. somedays it seems like I am mad at the world other days I feel like my old self. I know I will get there there is no giving up or going back. Thank you learn a lot from this

@EmpoweredPara

3 ай бұрын

I still have days when I'm mad at the world. They get fewer and further between but never go away!

I don't have a good story for all of this. Maybe some day.

I believe that God gives us free choice, and so it's on us what we do with our lives and how we deal with each situation. I know if I didn't have God in my heart, I wouldn't be able to do the things that I have to do. I have 2 severely handicapped children, and I had both of my legs amputated a year and a half ago, and I'm doing well. You can talk to God just like you talk to a friend asking anything anyway. I have had many prayers answered and gained strength through God.❤ Great conversation, Brittney.

@EmpoweredPara

9 ай бұрын

Wow, you have a lot on your plate! What a great perspective and attitude! You are setting a great example for your kids!

To take the position that life has no meaning is nihilistic, it means we're here just to suffer and for no reason at all.. for example that your marriage or your children provide no comfort or purpose, you get nothing from either.. if you were serious about answering this question you would say they do mean something in your life... as for creating your own reality, this new age philosophy again can be challenged to the point of debunking the foundation of it.. There is a universe of quantum laws that operate to provide us with experience, into our nervous systems and ultimately our psychology, emotional state and our physical bodies... they are immutable which means you cannot change or manipulate them... also if you delve into the world of psychology you will start to understand where you get your own beliefs from.. its called family of origin psychology... your very own belief of nihilism has come from countless generations of your ancestors and its landed in your body not by choice, but by inheritance and ultimately your psychological state was such that it manifested you into your current physical state... not by you but by design, it was always predestined... existentialism on the other hand means everything has purpose and meaning and not one thing doesn't... its just a matter of if you're meant to evolve from where you are in nihilism or not... again predestined to stay there or evolve out of there... :)

@EmpoweredPara

9 ай бұрын

I do believe life has meaning, it's just that I believe it's the meaning we asign to it and not some preordained meaning. Of course, my kids and family mean something to me. My experiences and relationships are part of what gives life meaning.

I absolutely do not believe that an accident ennobles us or that it makes any sense. Just bad luck. Giving it a rank if someone needs it? Why not. I don't. Thank you

@EmpoweredPara

9 ай бұрын

Yeah I don't think there's any rhyme or reason to it beyond what we make of it after the fact.

I've not earned the right to comment but I will. To me folks who say their is a reason for (BLANK) do not know themselves or God. They are desperately looking for something to believe in.

@EmpoweredPara

9 ай бұрын

Everyone has a right to comment! This is a safe space!

@johnvelas70

9 ай бұрын

@@EmpoweredPara What I mean is I'm not paralyzed, so haven't earned the right to comment about paralysis.

Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you do not receive our testimony. 12 If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things? 13 No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. 16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 19 And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. John 3:11-19