Andy’s Story

Our very own Andy V. has allowed us to publish his story. He hopes he can be an encouragement to someone. Here is his story:

Andy’s Story: My Changes
[One month prior to my 19th birthday] April 1, 1984 is when the pickup truck I was riding in hit a gum tree. This accident caused me a severe closed head injury, a broken hip, and some internal injuries along with killing the old me. After six months of recuperating in the hospital I have learned to live with my handicap. I have begun a rebirth of sorts.

Before my accident, I didn’t care about anything, not even myself. I tried very hard to be “cool”, I thought the art of looking “cool” was not to be like everybody else. I had a job making what I thought was good money but wasted it all on worthless things. I lived to party and spend a large amount of my earnings on getting high. Getting up in the morning for work used to be hard for me because I partied and got high most every night. I also regretfully cared very little for the girlfriend I had at that time. In high school I did just enough to get by without doing any real work. An old Pinto station wagon was the car I owned then which I did very little for and cared even less about. I cared very little about the little things then too like brushing my teeth or the foods I ate. Now I try very hard to do what’s right for myself. This includes attending college to hopefully get a good job one day. I spend a large amount of time on my studies because I know now they’re important. Because I no longer want drugs I”m surviving on a limited amount of money. I eat the foods that are good for my body and exercise for my own improvement. I’ve found that I don’t need to drink or smoke to have a good time and be “cool.” I would love to have a girl to share my time with but I’ve had to get along without one. [Today, in 2009, Andy is happily married to a wonderful girl named Mary.]

I have a dependable little car now that I always keep filled with gas. I also take care of my personal hygiene where before I didn’t care and am independent. Even though my body will never be quite the same, I’ve learned to live with my handicap. I now enjoy doing things that are beneficial for my mind and body. I am glad the old uncaring Andy is gone. He has been replaced by a responsible adult. – JAV